Droitwich Spa Station Prospectus

STATIONS AS PLACES Opportunity Prospectus Integration, Community and Delivery: A Masterplan for Droitwich Spa Station

DROITWICH SPA STATION AUGUST 2020 Foreword

Introducing the concept of Stations as Places The Stations as Places programme aims to promote local railway stations as community ‘hubs’ rather than simply access points onto the rail network. The vision is to develop local railway stations as highly valued assets within the community, contributing to economic growth and acting as hubs for creativity, heritage and social amenity.

What does the prospectus do for Droitwich Spa Station? There is an important role for the railways to play in both the economic and social regeneration of the local areas which our stations serve. This Opportunity Prospectus sets out the economic, social and geographic landscape of the area around our station and highlights some of the opportunities for commercial development, partnership working, inward investment and community regeneration. We have included a profile of Droitwich Spa station in this document and looked at different types of activity neighbouring our stations, from local businesses providing facilities to the travelling public, local authorities using existing assets in different ways, businesses looking for investment opportunities and the impact of new development in the surrounding area. Get in touch and keep up to date You can email [email protected] and one of the team will get back The vision to you! “We will develop stations as quality gateways between communities and the railway, supporting the changing needs of our passengers, residents You can also follow progress on Stations as Places at: and visitors. Stations in the West Midlands will be community assets, supporting the wellbeing and development of the areas they serve through www.wmre.org.uk/stationsalliance involving local community and business.” West Midlands Station Alliance (WMSA) Mission Statement

2 Contents

Chapter Page Chapter Page

Why ‘Stations as Places’ for Droitwich Spa station? 4 ‘Last mile’ concept plan 21

Bringing our partners together 5 Community insight 22

About the station 6 The aspiration 23

What do we know? 9 The place we want it to be 24

Survey results 11 Listening to our community 25

Commuters home postcodes walking/cycling buffer 12 Making the station a better place 26

Services and trains 13 Making the station a better place: Development strategy 27

Station layout 14 Opportunities for investment 28

The headline issues and opportunities: The station 15 Action plan: Achieving mode change 29

Walking route audit: The surrounding area 16 The Ambition 30

The Headline Opportunities 18 Where are we now 31

Local growth - planning 19 Where do we want to be 32

Opportunity plan 20 Who to contact and how to get involved 33

3 Why ‘Stations as Places’ for Droitwich Spa station?

Who are the West Midlands Station Alliance? WMSA is a formal alliancing arrangement between industry partners with a common vision what do we know West and forward plan, including infrastructure owner Network Rail, station facilities owner West West Midlands Midlands Trains (WMT) and local government West Midlands Rail Executive. The role of the Midlands Rail Railway WMSA is to facilitate Stations as Places by bringing together various stakeholders to work Executive together in partnership; ensuring that the Stations as Places vision and local aspirations are shared between the stakeholders, the infrastructure owner - the station facilities owner - and community Network ENGAGEMENT the Local Government. Rail

Why Droitwich Spa Station has been selected?

The station lies to the west of Droitwich town centre, within ten minutes walk from/to major building a retail areas/the High Street. It has the potential to provide a high quality local gateway and VISION sense of arrival to the town, with an improved and enjoyable corridor to the town centre and better connection with major employment areas/the High Street. The station does, however, have a number of shortcomings, ranging from the lack of accessible toilets on platforms through to the poor sense of arrival to the town centre, both within and around the station.

stations as places The drivers for developing this location PROSPECTUS The key drivers for the station's development are to: improve the sense of arrival; create an attractive public realm with improved opportunities for interchange and better connectivity with key destinations; prioritise walking, cycling, and use of public transport; ease of movement for all; and make the station a vital destination in its own right.

monitoring progress & continuing engagement The Prospectus This prospectus sets out the aspiration for the station and its context, and the issues/ challenges and opportunities to deliver this.

4 Bringing our partners together

Our stakeholders really matter to us. Whether it’s a major developer building new homes in reach of the station or an individual customer that needs to be able to make an easy journey to a hospital appointment using a combination of train and bus, the Stations as Places team wants to hear views from stakeholders and customers. Our inclusive consultation approach ensures we cover the 4 dimensions of: Community Local perspective A railway station is often a great asset to a community, but a community Some railway stations are ideally suited for some areas and not at all for can also be a great asset to a railway station. As the main transport hub of others. Are the siting, layout and design of Droitwich Spa station well-suited Droitwich Spa, how can Droitwich Spa station be improved to better serve to the environment in which it lies? the community?

Social value Legacy Transforming a railway station from a ‘passenger thoroughfare’ into An important objective of Stations as Places is to provide a long-term a genuine community asset will have a positive impact on the local legacy by establishing integration and community involvement as the heart community. What changes could be made to the station so it may become of the Droitwich Spa station. How might the above elements of community, such an asset, and what is the envisioned impact on the community? social value and local perspective be integrated into the station to ensure their longevity?

5 About the station

Key facts Droitwich Spa railway station was opened in 1852 (then called simply 'Droitwich') as part of the Oxford-Worcester-Wolverhampton Line by the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, which was soon to come under the auspices of the Great Western Railway. 'Spa' suffix was added when the station was rebuilt by John Corbett in 1899. The station was linked into the Midland Railway's main line between Birmingham New Street and Gloucester by means of a short branch line to Stoke Works Junction, south of Bromsgrove.

Facilities overview • Ticket office and ticket • Ramp for train access machine • Shelters on both platforms • Covered and uncovered & smart cards cycle parking on station • CCTV platforms • Help points on both • Car park platforms • Toilets access by RADAR • Snax on Trax coffee shop key obtained from staff • Customer information • Seats within station screens building • Customer help points • Seating on both platforms • New cycle parking facilities installed in June 2020 outside in the space directly adjacent to station building

6 About the station

Objective Target Opportunities No. Condition 1 Station feels safe and is safe for all to use, with well-overlooked spaces and access ways.

2 Station is accessible for all with level access, shelter and seating.

3 Station has facilities appropriate to its typology.

4 The station is connected to local origins / destinations and key assets by legible, direct, safe and attractive streets for those walking and cycling. 5 At gateway stations, there is a sense of arrival, Station typology and the public realm around the station is of a high quality and is enjoyable to be in. Droitwich Spa station is a local gateway. It provides local access to the 6 Opportunities for interchange are maximised town and its facilities including retail, education, employment, residences, and interchange between local public transport, and local transport interchanges. cycling and the rail service is easy and As a local gateway it should not only provide good facilities but should also attractive. provide a high quality sense of arrival, easy and safe connections with key 7 Opportunities for development around the destinations. station are maximised. The table to the right sets out a number of objectives developed to assess the function of station as a local gateway and propose targets of improvements. Meets in full Meets in part Does not meet

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ANNUAL PASSENGER FOOTFALL PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND CYCLING ACCESS According to ORR data, passenger footfall for • Droitwich Spa is served by 6 bus routes via Ombersley Way, which provide connections to DTW is as follows: the surrounding areas. One bus stop is within a one minute walking distance of the station • 2019 - 527,594 • Cyclists can access the station via national cycle routes and routes recommended by • 2018 - 567,790 Change -7.1% cyclists • 2018-19 Interchange - 72,415 - ORR • Pedestrian access to the station is via both off-road routes and footpaths on side of roads, access to which is facilitated by a number of dropped kerb crossings

CRIME AND SAFETY FIGURES FACILITIES AND THE STATION • A total of 46 crimes recorded in 2019 within • The station is home for covered and • Ticket office information and vending and around the station, with the highest uncovered cycle parking with a total machine located on platform 1 proportions given to bicycle theft, public number of 72 spaces • Smart card points order, and vehicle crime (Police.Uk) • Access to public transport • Sheltered seating area on both platforms • 7 slight and 1 serious vehicle incidents were • Information systems - departure screens • Coffee shop recorded around the station on Ombersley and announcements • Waiting room within station building Way between 2014-18 (Crashmap.co.uk) • Signage/wayfinding provision at the main • Toilets - keys provided upon request entrance/exit of the station • Ramp for train access • Level access at main entrance

LOCAL ACTIVITIES CAR PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY • Droitwich Spa is a town rich in history, culture and • The station contains two car parks: one is operated by West Midlands Railway fun, with a wide range of musuems showcasing the and has a capacity of 45 spaces, the other is run by Network Rail with a capacity local brine heritage, as well as many locations where of 40 spaces. They are accessed from Union Lane and Acre Lane, respectively. outdoor adventures can be undertaken. Charges applied are: off-peak £2.10, daily £3.00, weekly£11.50, monthly £36.00, • Droitwich Spa Lido is a well known salt-water pool. yearly £290.00, and weekend £4.20 • Covercroft Shopping Centre contains two car parks located to the east within a 10 minute walking distance of the station, with a combined capacity of 385 spaces

9 176 survey Face-to-face and online travel surveys were undertaken at the Droitwich Spa station. respondents A total of 176 responses were received and key findings are: How do you usually travel to the station?

walk bus cycle car parked car dropped off taxi car share 43% 0.6% 2.9% 25% 19.2% 2.9% 1.2%

What is your usual journey purpose to the station?

commute education leisure business visiting friends/ tourism relatives 62% 7.6% 62.2% 17.4% 23.3% 17.4%

Have you ever considered travelling to/from your local station using modes of green transportation?

bicycle electric bicycle hire/pool bicycle electric vehicle car share none of the above 11% 6% 3% 2% 3% 50%

10 Survey results

Do you require assistance with What influences how you travel to and from the station? boarding and alighting from trains at Droitwich Spa?

convenience distance travel time cost 22.1% 14.1% 12.4% 13.7%

Frequently

Occasionally I require assistance in order for me to board and alight all the time health and fitness environmental parking or storage weather Never I require assistance occasionally 4.1% 2.8% 11.5% 6.5% I do not need any ass istance

Have you found accessibility to be a problem at Droitwich Spa?

service reliability commitments accesibility/disability 3.3% 1.7% 3.5%

Yes No Yes (Please explain below) No 11 Customers home postcodes walking/cycling buffer

Roughly 3/4 of customers using Droitwich Spa station live within 2km of the station, a distance that can be easily walked or cycled.

15mins & 30mins Walk Distance

10mins Cycle Distance

12 Services and trains

Overview • Droitwich Spa station serves the town of Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire. West Midlands Trains (WMT) manages the station and operates all trains serving it. The service pattern from the station has varied somewhat over the years, particularly after most services via Kidderminster were diverted to New Street in 1967 as part of the plans to close Snow Hill. Today though, travellers from the station once again have a choice of stations in Birmingham following the reopening of Snow Hill in 1995 and there are regular services on both routes into the city. Services and trains currently in operation are set out below.

Service Details • Ticket office hours available from Mon-Thu (07:00-18:00), Fri (07:00- 19:00), Sat (08:00-15:00), Sun (closed) • Four trains per hour to Worcester - some services go via or terminate at Worcester Shrub Hill • Two trains per hour to Dorridge via Birmingham Snow Hill • Two trains per hour to Birmingham New Street • One train per hour to Hereford additional services to Great Malvern and Worcester Shrub Hill at peak times) • First train runs at 05:38 and last train runs at 23:54 • Train frequency is four trains per hour

Timetables • https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/ timetables?station=Droitwich+Spa

13 Salwarpe Road

Station layout

Droitwich Spa Sta�on

Pla�orm 2

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Covered cycle Shelter Smart card Toilets Seating parking Uncovered cycle Built areas Tickets Waiting room Entrance/Exit parking

Bus stop Information Coffee shop Ticket machine Existing footpath

14 The headline issues and opportunities: The station

Issues Opportunities The table below summarises the current conditions of Droitwich Spa The table below informs proposed improvements to make the station a assessed against station objectives: vibrant destination:

Objective Objective Target Description of Current Condition Assessment Opportunities No. No. Condition 1 • 46 crimes recorded around the • No crossing facilities provided 1 • Improve surveillance facilities • Effective stewardship of station station in 2019 to bus stop for those not using to increase sense of safety and spaces • High records of bicycle theft, public underpass access security (CCTV) • High quality overlooked order and vehicle crime accessways 2 • Unsafe access for disabled people • No step free access to ease 2 • New formal crossing at bus stop • New lifts for ease of movement from Acre Lane and Union Lane movement between platforms for on Ombersley Way between platforms for people with • Seats and sheltered seats people with disabilities • Improve access from Acre Lane disabilities provided on both platforms • Seats available for people inside and Union Lane to/from the • Poor access from northern station building station Droitwich Spa Station car park to • Smart card reader 3 • New baby change facilities • Public customer services platforms • Poor pedestrian access • New benches at spaces directly • Wayfinding within and around the 3 • Large gap between train and • No baby change facilities adjacent to main station building station platforms available • Sheltered bridge • Covered & uncovered cycle • No seats in spaces next to parking provided on platform 1 station building 4 • Improve connection with bus stop • Prioritise walking, cycling and the • No signalised crossing to/from bus • CCTV provided to be more visible and to include use of public transport stop • Wayfinding & signage shelter and live time screen • Legible, direct and safe links with • Good distribution of lighting • Poor bus stop connection • Reconfigure station spaces the town and key destinations 4 • Droitwich Spa is served by 6 bus • Poor/unpleasant environment around people not cars • Streetscape enhancements routes for walking and cycling within & 5 • Improve sense of arrival within • Transform spaces around the • Cycle access is obtained via around the station and around the station station into better places with an national cycle routes & routes • Improve legibility, streetscape, • Improve public art within and attractive and high quality public recommended by cyclists and connectivity with key assets around station realm • Pedestrians access the station via narrow footpaths and underpasses 6 • Accessible and visible bus stop • High quality paving materials for with improved facilities walking & cycling 5 • Poor quality of sense of arrival • Need to enhance and promote • New formal crossing at bus stop • Secured cycle parking • Unattractive public realm within & identity/character around station • Car-oriented spaces • Station invisible from Ombersley • Poor quality of paving materials 7 • Prioritise walking, cycling and use • Use of sustainable transport Way & Salwarpe Rd (e.g. stairs) of public transport modes between station and key 6 • Access restrictions from/to station • Good interchange between • Improve wider connections of the destination i.e. shuttle buses, to/from bus stop via Ombersley the station, cycle parking and station with key destinations cycles of all types, etc Way national cycle route

7 Need better connections to: • Berry Hill Industrial Estate Meets in full Meets in part Does not meet • High Street and major retail areas • Link to Housing and mixed-use • Site of regional/local wildlife allocations to north and northeast importance (north to west of of the station station) • Netherwich Canal Basin Redevelopment 15 Walking route audit: The surrounding area

WMT undertook a Walking Route Audit to assess a number of routes that connect the station with its surroundings. WMT used Red Amber Green model with numbers (0 Red, 1 Amber, 2 Green) to assess the routes against five key subcategories. The figures below show each route and how it scores against each subcategory.

Route 1a Route 1b Route 2

CoherenceCoherence 1.00 CoherenceCoherence 0.00 CoherenceCoherence 2.00 0 SafetySafety 2.00 SafetySafety 2.00 SafetySafety 2.00

DirectnessDirectness 1.00 DirectnessDirectness 1.75 DirectnessDirectness 1.75

ComfortComfort 1.25 ComfortComfort 1.50 ComfortComfort 1.50

AttractivenessAttractiveness 1.00 AttractivenessAttractiveness 1.50 AttractivenessAttractiveness 1.00

Note that Route 1a scores lower on directness that route 1b due to poor footway provision, location of crossing in relation to desired lines, crossing of road associated indirect, limited routes to bus stops, and confusing layout for pedestrians creating severance issues for users. 16 Route 3 Route 4 Route 5

Coherence 2.00 Coherence 0.00 CoherenceCoherence 0.00 Coherence Coherence 0 0 Safety 1.75 Safety 2.00 SafetySafety 2.00 Safety Safety Directness 1.75 Directness 1.75 DirectnessDirectness 1.75 Directness Directness Comfort 1.75 Comfort 1.50 ComfortComfort 1.75 Comfort Comfort Attractiveness 1.00 Attractiveness 1.50 AttractivenessAttractiveness 1.25 Attractiveness Attractiveness

17 To Kidderminster 45

To Westlands 46 45 The Headline Opportunities

To Birmingham

46 Droitwich Spa Wider connectivity improvements To Kidderminster N Key arrival space 45 to the station 45 45 Improved pedestrian area To Droitwich Significant consideration should be given to: Spa High School Improved existing and sixth form centre connections with key • Legible, direct and safe connections with destinations To Westlands High Street and major retail areas National cycle routes 46 45 • Establish a more comfortable and convenient Public realm enhancements pedestrian & cycling connection with major employment areas, such as Parkridge Major retail areas To Birmingham Existing High Street Retail Park and Berry Hill Industrial Estate, 46 To Chawson supported by high quality infrastructure Areas of key developments • Introduce and support community shuttle bus Major employment areas 46 or car share schemes To WorcesterDroitwich Spa • Better and improved links with KeyRiver arrival space City centre 45 Salwarpe and Droitwich CanalImproved pedestrian area To Droitwich • Safe and enjoyable routes with surrounding Spa High School Improved existing and sixth form centre neighbourhoods and green spacesconnections with key • Better and improved connectiondestinations of the station with the strategic ActiveNational Travel cycle routes Corridor from Worcester to DroitwichPublic realm Spa enhancements - SWAT2 Major retail areas

Existing High Street 46 Last Mile To Chawson • Active Travel Routes in existing/newAreas of key developments Major employment areas developments, supported with improved To Worcester wayfinding facilities City centre • High quality environment for walking within the last mile of the station and its immediate • Speed limits and traffic calming techniques vicinity on Ombersley Way and Union Lane to • Adequate separation of pedestrians and prioritise cyclists and pedestrians cyclists where at all possible, realising the • The frequency and quality of bus services accessibility and safety benefits of this to major employment areas and other key approach destinations 18 Local growth - planning

Why is it important to integrate stations' and local growth? The local authority can choose to use planning conditions (or Section 106 or 278 obligations) for defined schemes e.g. 100 secure cycle spaces and a bike hire building. Where new housing or employment development is likely to occur, these should also be recognised in the scheme planning application. Off-site sustainable travel measures which fall outside the station boundary should be delivered and funded via local transport strategies or development control contributions through the relevant property developer.

SWDP49/3 Stonebridge Cross Parking strategy (to include Business Park parking cars, motorcycles & covered parking for cycles West lands - A38 Roman - D8 Way/A442 Kidderminster Rd Junction - D3 High Street public realm scheme - D5 SWDP48/2 Boxing Club, Kidderminster Road SWDP48/1 Land off Vines Lane - Residential Allocations

SWDP48/4 Acre Lane

SWDP48/6 Canal Basin Droitwich Spa (Netherwich) (mixed use – residential, retail and leisure)

Hanbury St/Queen St/ Saltway/Bromsgrove Junction - D1

Rail station improvement Active Travel Network scheme Investment Programme - D6

Harrison Park - Bovis Homes SWDP49/2 Yew Tree Hill - 765 new homes + unit car facility Chawson Lane?

SWDP49/1 Copcut Lane - 740 new homes + employment uses 19 Opportunity plan

Public realm Salwarpe Road enhancements Station

Improved existing neighbours pedestrian links Droitwich Spa station New pedestrian is surrounded by a connection mixture of residential New pedestrian and commercial crossings developments, Improved pedestrian offering multiple Droitwich Spa Sta�on condition business neighbours: Re-configure car parks Pla�orm 2 • Pubs Improved underpass • Fast foods

Pla�orm 1 • Youth club High quality seating • Supermarket Improved wayfinding • Takeaways Improved drop off • Religious building point • Restaurant Relocated bus stops • Residential Secured cycle • MOT centre parking • Tyre shop New bus stop

New lift provision

The station masterplan focuses on the station itself and the opportunities for integration with the station's immediate vicinity. Enhanced walking, cycling and bus interchange will make a significant difference to how the station feels. There are also opportunities to enhance existing station facilities to improve passenger experiences and integration between rail services and the surrounding area. Appropriate management of car parking will aim to alleviate existing capacity issues with existing facilities, whilst better connectivity to other transport modes will serve to reduce demand on parking spaces. 20 To Kidderminster

‘Last mile’ concept plan

To Birmingham Key Development sites To Kidderminster

Droitwich Spa Canal Basin

West Friar St., including possible future development of the Fire Sta�on Sta�on Coal Yard, including Baxendales To Worcester Vines Lane Triangle

Roman Villa - ‘Salinae’, Vines To Birmingham Lane to the A38

Salwarpe Rd., Nort

Kidderminster Rd Droitwich Spa Canal Basin Salwarpe Rd. Leisure Facility

West Friar St., including possible Kidderminster Rd. Industrial future development of the Fire Area Sta�on Sta�on Coal Yard, including Baxendales To Worcester Vines Lane Triangle

Roman Villa - ‘Salinae’, Vines Lane to the A38 Stations as Places is also about promoting wider connectivity to existing communities, businesses, local centres and future development sites. The 'Last Mile' concept plan considers other land uses in the surrounding area and what the priorities should be in terms of integration of sustainable transport Salwarpe Rd., Nort modes and station facilities. Key local stakeholders have been identified through initial consultation and auditing of the local area. Engagement will focus on improving access to rail services and how Stations as Places can unlock development potential and enhance existing connectivity for residents and the Kidderminster Rd local economy.

Salwarpe Rd. Leisure Facility 21

Kidderminster Rd. Industrial Area Community insight

A vital component of every ‘Stations as Places’ project is to understand the community perspective and ‘grass roots’ understanding of the station and its surrounding area. To build up a picture we have brought together key community-level intelligence and information about Droitwich Spa Station. Importantly, this section doesn’t just look at the station itself, but includes facts and figures about social enterprise, start-up businesses, community groups, station adoption and other valuable information. The Droitwich Spa Station as a community hub Supporting businesses • Community hub is a place that is accessible to the local community Wychavon District Council provides funding and and a focus for local activities, services, and facilities. The key aim of support to start, run, and grow businesses and Stations as Places is to transform Droitwich Spa station into a place commercial opportunities. This includes: where people visits for reasons other that making a journey. • Wychavon District Council business start up • Droitwich Spa Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) support, promote grant and develop local voluntary action across Droitwich. It supports • Wychavon District Council business growth community development and learning and offer other services including grant Community Car Scheme where volunteer use their own cars to provide transport for journeys to and from shops, doctors, and social activities. Programmes currently available • Droitwich Community Transport organisation provides accessible are: transport to people living in Droitwich and the surrounding areas who have accessibility difficulty using public transport. • Enterprising Worcestershire grant - £1000 to £2500 Station heritage • Business Energy Efficiency Programme – BEEP - up to £20,000 Droitwich is the first open station on the line from Worcester to Birmingham • Low Carbon Opportunities Programme - Grants of up to 45% of the total Snow Hill (via Stourbridge). Just to the north of the station, there is a spur cost of a project (to a maximum contribution of £100,000 for capital, to the right (now single track) that leads to Stoke Works, where it joins the £50,000 for revenue) are available. Birmingham and Gloucester Railway. • Proof of Concept - up to £30,000 • EAFRD Growth Programme is Now Open - min. £20,000 From 1968 Underwood & Co Ltd employed a diesel locomotive at a small coal yard to the north of the station. There was also a siding to a salt works Community facilities owned by Salt Union Ltdat Covercroft. • Existing dependent station café, cycle parking • Potential set up car share scheme, step free access, improved Grant availability customer service Wychavon Community Grant Scheme offers £50,000 to support creative communities delivering projects that address issues around health and inequality, and ensure that community projects are sustainable and inclusive. Projects might include Cycle to Station scheme/E-bike scheme.

22 The aspiration

• The station has improved a lot over the last 7 years, and staff members are excellent. However, there is a lot of antisocial behaviour at the station, and cycle theft is a big problem. • The main question from customers is how to get a taxi/bus from the station, or how else would they get to the town centre/spa? What BUSINESS has to • It would be good to have more seating on the Worcester-bound platform (although mindful that say about the stations this may encourage antisocial behaviour), with better waiting facilities on the Birmingham-bound platform. • The station cafe does not see a huge amount of business, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown. West Midlands Railway

• Parking is an issue at the station, with the new charge encouraging people to park on residential streets - access is certainly easiest by car as access by bus is poor. Part of the issue with car parks is that there are three car parks with three different operators, which causes issues if you can only access one and not the others. What the LOCAL • Walking to the station is unattractive particularly to visitors, as the signage blends in with the foliage and the intuitive route from the station leads through an industrial estate. There are COMMUNITY has to say opportunities to improve this access, even with a simple programme of cutting back vegetation about the stations on paths. • Whilst a covered bridge would be nice, it may encourage antisocial behaviour - lifts to the bridge allowing access across platforms is perhaps a higher priority. Droitwich Neighbourhood Plan Working Group

• Having a local group adopt the station would likely be effective at discouraging antisocial behaviour and improving the station environment with planters and a welcome board. Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership

23 The place we want it to be

• Commuters parking in residential areas rather than using the paid parking at the station is a big issue. • It would be good to see improved connectivity to the town centre and more recognition of the unique Brine Heritage in Droitwich. Worcestershire County Council What the LOCAL AUTHORITY has to say about the stations

• Access in and around the station is poor, with limited step-free access, unsafe access to the bus stop, and poorly-maintained footways. • Car parking is limited and now paid, meaning there is an overflow of commuter parking in nearby residential streets. - • There is a record of anti-social behaviour including bicycle theft around the station. What the OTHER STAKE • There is a need for better connections to the High Street/retail HOLDERS have to say areas/Berry Hill Industrial Estate/housing areas from the station. about the • The station offers a poor sense of arrival due to the unattractive public realm surrounding it. stations

24 Listening to our community

Key themes from our stakeholders... A virtual workshop provided stakeholders a chance to put forward • Anti-social behaviour their views on station issues and opportunities. The main take-away • Pedestrian access messages from this were as follows: • Adoption group • Anti-social behaviour, particularly cycle theft and drug use, is common at Droitwich Spa station. • Car & cycle parking

• Access to the town centre is difficult by sustainable modes, as • Station environment walking routes are not intuitive and not well kept, and there are few buses passing between the station and town. Thanks to our key stakeholders who had their say...

• Parking on residential streets has become an issue as the • Droitwich Neighbourhood Plan Working Group station car parks have started charging for parking. • Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership • Worcestershire County Council • Improvements for the station include finding a voluntary adoption • West Midlands Stations Alliance group to improve the immediate environment and create a • West Midlands Railway welcome board, updating signage for pedestrians and cutting back foliage on walking routes, adding lifts for easier cross- platform access and improving the seating provision on both platforms.

QUICK WINS:

• Establishment of station adoption group • Cutting back of pedestrian path foliage • Investigation schemesinto S106 funding for

25 Making the station a better place

How to get more efficient use of the Managing car parking demand Pedestrian access station • Droitwich Spa has two car parks with a • Ensure a more closely monitored programme • According to ORR (14 Jan 2020), The station total capacity of 85 parking spaces. Of of foliage trimming on footways to the station has an estimated 1,445 entries and exits those that responded to the survey, the • Upgrade pedestrian signage to ensure easy per day for year 2018-19 and it is important number of people using either car park was legibility and wayfinding about equal. However, the station has poor to provide a safe, sustainable transition to/ • Improve pedestrian routes from Union connections to both bus stops and the town from the station that ensures walking and Lane, Acre Lane and Ombersley Way, with centre, and there are poor quality pedestrian cycling links are of high quality and are well sufficient width for safe and comfortable links between car parks and the station connected to the existing cycle network, movement to and from the station Car parking at the station entrances need the High Street, Droitwich Canal, River • • Widen and extend pavement at the station to be reallocated to provide more space Salwarpe, amenities, employment areas and building to allow a proper and sufficient for walking and cycling in response to post surrounding neighbourhoods footway, especially for people accessing the pandemic measures that allow safe and • Improve the visibility of the station station via Ombersley Way. This will also healthy movement to/from the station and creating a welcoming and friendly provide additional space to better facilitate environment where walking and cycling are a physical distancing in response to Covid-19 priority • New crossings at bus stop on Ombersley • Use of sustainable permeable paving in car Way and Union Lane/Acre Lane to facilitate parks that allows water to pass through and safe pedestrian connections to/from the prevent flooding station. • Better integration of the station with the town • The quality, lighting, and visibility of the core supported by a safe, direct and green existing pedestrian and cycle link from link via Ombersley Way Salwarpe Road to/from the station is poor and lacks a proper crossing • Improved routes for walking and cycling at spaces around the station

26 Making the station a better place: Development strategy

Short term Medium Term Long Term • Provide accessible toilets with baby • Better interchange with bus stops adjacent • New pedestrian links from car parks to/from changing facilities to the station with easy and direct pedestrian the station • Pop up coffee cart near the main entrance connections • The station is better integrated for with a number of moveable chairs to activate • Step free access to ease the movement walking and cycling with town centre, the station space between platforms for people with key assets/destinations, and surrounding • Ticket vending machine on platform 2 accessibility needs neighbourhoods by providing high quality and connected footway/cycleway and • More seating at the station • Public realm and landscape enhancements within and around the station enjoyable public realm • Replace existing bins with high quality, yet High quality infrastructure that supports still transparent ones to ensure safety needs • Improve the surface quality of pavements for • 'last mile' mobility options and significantly are met pedestrians and provide clear cycle lanes on Union Lane and Acre Lane encourages the use of sustainable travel • Provide training programmes to keep staff modes to complete a journey up to date and ensure effective responses to station issues and customers queries • Improve lighting at the station • More seating in and around the station • Easy, safe and comfortable walking and cycling access to the station • Wayfinding improvements • Welcome board • Establish a Friend of Droitwich Spa Station group

27 Opportunities for investment

The Stations as Places Prospectus should act as a means of providing an evidence base which can attract funding opportunities and implement quick-win initiatives and measures. To achieve this, continuous stakeholder involvement and collaboration is crucial to develop relationships within the communities that the Droitwich Spa station serves. OPTIONS FOR DELIVERY Section 106 External funding Match funding Commercial revenue Third party funding

• Section 106 funding can be • West Midlands Railway. • Access for All (AfA) • Existing Cafe Loco and • Customer and Communities secured when a third party • Network Rail. funding is a key part of the potential coffee kiosk on Improvement Fund (CCIF). development relates to the • Worcestershire Local Government’s Inclusive platform 2. Subject to Department for station (in planning terms). Enterprise Partnership Transport Strategy to Transport (DFT) approvals, through the Government’s improve the accessibility West Midlands Trains has Growth Deal. of Great Britain’s railway. an annual budget 2020-21 • The Rail Industry. This funding is specifically of £1.7million to support • Major Scheme (DfT). targeted at providing schemes that are proposed, • Developers. improvements at stations developed and delivered by • Active Travel Fund by UK which can enable more our customers, communities Government. disabled people to access and stakeholders. This the rail network. exciting programme will run every year for six years. • National Stations Improvements Programme EASY WINS (NSIP). • Worcestershire County Council. Cycle rail • As a result of the Cycle Rail Fund • The Cycle Rail Programme has awarding in 2019, it was announced already tripled the number of cycle an extra 2,300 cycle spaces to be parking spaces at more than 500 Community and volunteering resources built at 48 stations across England, stations, bringing the total to over enabling commuters to cycle directly 80,000. The Cycle Rail programme • Investment of time from community and enterprise groups from Worcestershire to the station and lock-up their bike is a great opportunity to get funding Sub-Groups, Rail Future, Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), Worcester securely. to improve cycling facilities and Community Action, and Community Transport. security around railway stations.

28 Action plan: Achieving mode change

Action Plan

Action Responsibility Timescale Targets Formation of station adoption WMSA, West Midlands Short term • Year 0 to 1 - deliver quick wins customer experience group to oversee station Railway improvements including interventions for creating safe and beautification/construction of healthy environment for walking and cycling welcome board • Year 0 to 3 - public realm and streetscape enhancements to Cutting back of foliage on Neighbourhood Plan Short term support mode shift to active and green travel forms which could pathways leading to the station Working Group relief the pressure on public transport use during and post COVID-19 pandemic and help building healthier and resilient Physical interventions to improve West Midlands Railway Short term communities customer experience and create a better and safe walking and • Year 0 to 5 - 10-15% increase in passenger numbers who use cycling accesses to the station active and greener transport of travel and cycle parking that responds • Year 0 to 5 - make the station an attractive place for local to Covid-19 guidance community and sustainably integrated with the wider context Public realm and landscape West Midlands Railway Short and • Year 0 to 5 - increase number of visitors and tourists arriving by enhancements within and around & Worcestershire County medium train the station, which will support the Council mode shift to active and green travel especially for short trips Improve and increase rail-bus- West Midlands Railway Short and cycle interchange medium Deliver high quality and well West Midlands Railway, Medium integrated 'last mile' walking and Droitwich Town Spa and long cycling connections Council, Wychavon term District Council and developers Develop a programme of social/ West Midlands Railway Short, educational events to maximise medium the use of the station and make and long it an attractive place for the local term community

29 The Ambition

Station type: Local Gateway Station Objectives: Droitwich Spa Station

Target No. Objectives Condition 1 Station feels safe and is safe for all to use with well overlooked spaces and access ways.

2 Station is accessible for all with level access, shelter and seating.

3 Station has facilities and is of a quality appropriate to its typology.

4 The station is connected to local origins / destinations and key assets by legible, direct, safe and attractive streets for those walking and cycling.

5 At gateway stations, there is a sense of arrival and the public realm around the station is legible and high quality. Wayfinding is clear and high quality.

6 Opportunities for interchange are maximised and interchange between local public transport, cycling and the rail service is easy and attractive.

7 Opportunities for transit oriented development around the station are maximised.

Meets in full Meets in part Does not meet

30 Where are we now

Issues This table summarises the current conditions of Droitwich Spa assessed against station objectives

Objective Description of Current Condition Assessment No. 1 • 46 crimes recorded around the station in 2019 • Access to only one bus stop on Ombersley Way • High records of bicycle theft, public order and • No crossing facilities provided to bus stop for vehicle crime those not using underpass access

2 • Unsafe access for disabled people from Acre • No step free access to ease movement between Lane & Union Lane platforms for people with disabilities • Seats and sheltered seats provided on both • Seats available for people inside station building platforms • Poor pedestrian access • Poor access from northern Droitwich Spa Station • Smart card reader car park to platforms 3 • Risky gap between train and platforms • There are no baby change facilities available • Covered & uncovered cycle parking provided on • No seats in spaces next station's building platform 1 • CCTV provided • No signalised crossing to/from bus stop • Wayfinding & signage • Poor bus stop connection • Good distribution of lighting 4 • The station is served directly by only one bus • Unpleasant environment for walking and cycling • Cycle access is obtained via national cycle route within & around the station with overgrown foliage & routes recommended by cyclists • Improve legibility, streetscape, and connectivity • Pedestrians access the station via narrow with key assets like River Salwarpe, Droitwich footpaths and underpasses Canal & green spaces 5 • Poor quality of sense of arrival • Need to enhance and promote identity/character • Unattractive public realm within & around station • Car-oriented spaces • Station invisible from Ombersley Way & Salwarpe • Poor quality of paving materials (e.g. stairs) Rd

6 • Access restrictions from/to station to/from bus • Good interchange between the station, cycle stop via Ombersley Way parking and national cycle route

7 Need better connections to: • Berry Hill Industrial Estate • High Street and major retail areas • Housing and mixed-use allocations to north and • Site of regional or local wildlife importance (north northeast of the station to west of station) • Netherwich Canal Basin Redevelopment

Meets in full Meets in part Does not meet

31 Where do we want to be

Opportunities This table informs proposed improvements to make the station a vibrant destination

Objective Target Opportunities No. Condition 1 • Improve surveillance facilities to increase sense of • Effective stewardship of station spaces safety and security (CCTV) • High quality overlooked accessways

2 • New formal crossing at bus stop on Ombersley • New lifts for ease of movement between platforms CCTV Way for people with disabilities • Improve access from Acre Ln & Union Ln to/from the station

3 • New baby change facilities • Public customer services High quality crossing • New benches at spaces directly adjacent to main • Wayfinding within and around the station station building • Sheltered bridge

4 • Improve connection with bus stop to be more • Prioritise walking, cycling and the use of public Wayfinding & Seating visible and to include shelter and live time screen transport • Reconfigure station spaces around people not • Legible, direct and safe link with town and key cars destinations • Streetscape enhancements Wider connections 5 • Improve sense of arrival within and around the • Transform spaces around the station into better station places with an attractive and high quality public • Improve public art within and around station realm

Public Art 6 • Accessible and visible bus stop with improved • High quality paving materials for walking & cycling facilities • Secured cycle parking • New formal crossing at bus stop

Cycle hub 7 • Prioritise walking, cycling and use of public • Use of sustainable transport modes between transport station and key destination i.e. shuttle buses, • Improve wider connections of the station with key cycles of all types, etc. destinations

Walking & Cycling link

Meets in full Meets in part Does not meet 32 Who to contact and how to get involved

The Stations as Places initiative is designed be open to all. Railways bring people together and there is a We really want to engage with organisations of different shapes and sizes. powerful historic sense of pride in the railways We’d love to hear from developers and their consultant teams about how in the UK. Stations began life as beacons of we can work more closely with you to connect with your development schemes, especially if you are needing people to take the train to ease hope and revival for local communities and when pressure of the road network and make your development proposals work stations are welcoming places, more passengers effectively. and happier passengers ensue. But we’d also love to hear from shopkeepers and other local businesses, from social enterprises and residents groups, and from organisations supporting disabled people and others needing accessibility support.

So, how to get involved? You can email [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you! Contact us if you would like to

• Give us feedback about this Prospectus • Flag up an opportunity with your proposed development • Talk to us about how your organisation can get involved

You can also follow progress on Stations as Places at www.wmre.org.uk/stationsalliance