Regenerating Britain's Railway Stations: Six Case Studies

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Regenerating Britain’s railway stations: six case studies

Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 1 Regenerating Britain’s railway stations: Case study summary six case studies

Six case studies from across Britain to illustrate the potential and rewards from collaborative working and investment 5 Birmingham New Street The Rail Delivery Group worked with Steer Davies Gleave to identify station projects which have been recently delivered. From a long list of projects, the following six were selected to illustrate 12 Wakefield the potential for investment in stations to Westgate Bromsgrove contribute positively to local communities station and the rail industry. With the support of local stakeholders Birmingham New and the train operators, Network Rail and Street station

17 architects and designers involved in the Bromsgrove Burnham-on-Crouch projects, we present the story of these station stations. Burnham-on- Swansea Crouch station The case studies were developed in station autumn 2016 and therefore reflect the Wokingham station 25 position as it then stood. Swansea Isolating the precise impacts of the station projects in a quantifiable way is almost impossible, but we have indicated metrics where we can. In sharing these 32 stories, we hope they inspire you with the potential for your local stations to Wakefield Westgate positively contribute to the communities they serve.

38 Wokingham

2 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 3 Birmingham New Street

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B410 Seizing the opportunity to Birmingham, is used by nearly 100,000 re-establish a sense of place rail travellers a day: it is the busiest A38 station in the UK outside of London. Birmingham for a gateway to the nation’s Moor St second city by thinking Prior to the investment in the station, passenger demand at New Street station Suolk beyond the station boundary significantly exceeded design capacity, Birmingham S 00 which resulted in acute crowding on tr New Street e B41 platforms, accesses and waiting areas, et Queen The opportunity and challenge safety issues and regular station closures. A38 Moa Di Birmingham is England’s second city with sw t gb The station also suffered from a number L eth ay ane a population of over one million residents. of accessibility problems. These included The city is home to six universities and a the following: significant proportion of employment is in public administration, education and • Poor accessibility to the station, health. The city is a major international whether through the shopping centre commercial centre, ranked as a beta− or at concourse level; world city by the Globalization and • Poor interchange for passengers World Cities Research Network; and an either for other rail services or for important transport, retail, events and other transport services; and conference hub. • Poor permeability through the station Birmingham New Street station, the for pedestrians, acting as a barrier to largest of the three railway stations in city centre movement.

4 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 5 Birmingham New Street Birmingham New Street

New Street station was generally What happened The redevelopment of New Street The impact considered to be very poorly designed, The development of the New Street station was carried out by Network Stakeholder comments on the impact and gained a number of dubious Gateway proposal was led by Birmingham Rail alongside Mace, the principal of the station redevelopment were accolades including being voted the City Council (BCC) explicitly to maximise contractor and delivery partner. The positive, with individuals from stakeholder worst station in the country (Radio 5 Live the wider economic development and project was sponsored by Network Rail, organisations and user groups all listeners, August 2002); the second most regeneration potential that could be Birmingham City Council, Advantage commenting on the beneficial effects of hated eyesore in Britain (by readers of unlocked by the scheme. This followed West Midlands, Centro and the the project. Country Life magazine, November 2003), from BCC’s view that an earlier scheme Department for Transport. The changes to the layout of the and the fifth horror of modern Britain developed by the Strategic Rail station, including new access points, by Radio 4 Today Programme listeners Authority (SRA), despite addressing the improvements to the surrounding urban (2003). significant issues of station crowding and Funding table realm and the addition of a new retail functionality, failed to address the wider The area around the station was equally space have transformed Birmingham context. Funder/Source Amount unappealing. Under-invested and poorly New Street station into a spectacular utilised, the area around the station had The key focus of the BCC scheme Department for gateway for the city. The station is now £288.0m developed a negative image, and was development was to realise the land transport a welcoming and accessible destination failing to attract any substantial and development potential, to exploit the land that has brought a vibrancy to the reputable business. use and urban planning aspect to enhance Network Rail £128.0m surrounding areas. the cohesion of the city, and to ensure The increased attractiveness of the retail that the scheme could act as a catalyst to Advantage West Midlands Development £100.0m experience and offer, in particular the new redevelopment of the city centre, and in Agency John Lewis, has increased the catchment particular the south side. for visitors. The hotels sector enjoys The Department for The scheme to redevelop Birmingham average room occupancy rates of ~80% Business Enterprise and £100.0m New Street station was designed to create: Regulatory Reform much of the year. A concourse with three and half times On the southern side of the station, more space for passengers, enclosed by Centro £10.0m the Southside Business Improvement a giant light-filled atrium; District (BID) area, footfall is now 12 Private Sector £124.0m times higher than before the station • More accessible, brighter and clearer was redeveloped, highlighting how the platforms, reached by new escalators Total £750.0m changes to the layout of the station, and and new public lifts; improvements to the urban realm, have • A striking new station exterior, adding The £750m New Street station opened addressed the previous severance issues. to Birmingham’s growing reputation to the public on 20 September 2015. This is particularly noticeable during for good design; The new station features 43 shops at commuter rush hour, around the opening and closing times of the Grand Central • Better links to and through the station concourse level. The new Grand Central retail space and when there is an event on for pedestrians, with eight entrances; shopping complex sits above the station at the Birmingham Hippodrome – located and and includes one of the UK’s largest John Lewis department stores. immediately to the south of Smallbrook • A major stimulus for the physical Queensway. The BID team have increased regeneration of the areas surrounding their investment in urban realm projects the station.

6 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 7 Birmingham New Street Birmingham New Street and street cleaning to reflect the increase area. Whilst it is hard to state how much the station and the associated increase in Local regeneration, economic in footfall and to maintain the improved of this is attributable to the station’s footfall in the area. development, and place-making perception of the area. re-opening, there is anecdotal evidence In contrast to the old station, the new one agendas that the area’s proximity to both the Investment in the Southside is also with its high quality design and improved • Increased investment in local station and city centre, and the increase starting to increase. In recent months, retail offer provides a place where businesses following the station in accessibility, has had an impact on a new 26-storey hotel development has passengers and visitors can spend time improvements. (The Birmingham City investors’ interest and confidence. been approved and will be built on Hill and are happy to do so. Centre Premier Inn is investing £8.5m Street, opposite the station. A large, Further south and east of the station, in its conference facilities.) These improvements have made a mixed use development (office and closer to the Bullring shopping centre, a significant impact on perceptions of the • In the Southside Business residential) is also planned for the south new masterplan has been developed for station and the gateway experience of Improvement District (BID) area, side of Smallbrook Queensway. Neither an area known as Smithfields. arriving in Birmingham New Street by footfall is now 12 times higher than would have come forward without the The plans incorporate the current train. before the station was redeveloped, changes at the station: both property markets, to the north of Upper highlighting how the changes owners were waiting for the new station Dean Street, and show the degree of to the layout of the station, and to open in order to attract the necessary redevelopment potential in this area. Achievements improvements to the urban realm, private finance. have addressed the previous To the immediate north-east of the The investment in Birmingham New It is now more viable for companies to severance issues. station, the Birmingham City Centre Street station has delivered a range of invest in the area to the south of the Premier Inn is investing £8.5m in its positive outcomes. These include both • Community and social benefits station. Property prices have increased by conference facilities and accommodation direct and indirect effects (and therefore Improvements to the surrounding 14% in the year to date in the Southside to capitalise on the recent investment in only some of which can be separated out urban realm, which encourage from wider changes and sought to be businesses to base themselves locally. valued). • Use of public space outside station, helps make the area around the Employment station feel more dynamic and encourages further investment. • Direct employment, e.g. additional retail at station; Induced employment • Connectivity – Midland Metro arising from newly developed retail extension to New Street station, facilities, alongside increased visitor supporting seamless onward travel and traveller spending in local area and increasing the accessibility for national travel opportunities. • Hotel sector in Birmingham is currently enjoying occupancy rates of 80% for most of the year. Awards ‘UK project of the year, 2016’ at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors 2016 Awards Grand Final.

8 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 9 Bromsgrove N Bromsgrove bus Stra and coach station tf ord Road

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platform was constructed. Rail services 38 Realising the opportunity of A investment in rail operation from Bromsgrove provide direct links to Birmingham New Street station, around improvements to deliver 12 miles away, as well as to Worcester and Ne a high quality integrated Hereford. w Road transport hub. ss Rapid population growth over the last pa

By decade in Bromsgrove has resulted in very The opportunity and challenge strong growth in the number of users of tern

Bromsgrove station, which is within ten e Eas Bromsgrove is a town in Worcestershire minutes walk of three significant recent ov about 13 miles south west of Birmingham B4184 housing developments. City Centre. The town has a population omsgr Br of around 29,000 people. The town has The increase in rail passengers using the

station and the aspiration to introduce

employment in manufacturing, retail and k l services amongst other industries. more frequent rail services and new Bromsgrove a

w d rail station services focused attention on the need a e

t Located three quarters of a mile Ro u to address the capacity constraints of e n i south of the town centre, the original the station. ok station opened in 1840, as part of the St m Along with the constraint created by 5 Birmingham and Gloucester Railways. the two short platforms, and an aged Following remodelling work, the station signalling system, the station offered operated with only one platform poor facilities both in the station and for between 1969 and 1990, before a second onward travel. There was no step-free

10 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 11 Bromsgrove Bromsgrove access between the platforms, no ticket Along with the creation of a much The impact The new, larger car park accommodates office and limited sheltered waiting enhanced station, there were The new station brings improved existing users of the station and provides facilities on the platforms and outside complementary improvements to the facilities and better integration with bus additional capacity to meet demand for interchange with buses. local highway network. These comprise: services to make it more attractive for during current busy times, such as the The station was presenting an • A new access road to increase traffic people to use the train to travel between Christmas period and for future growth. unappealing image of Bromsgrove, which capacity and provide additional car Bromsgrove and Birmingham, reducing With the introduction of the staffed was making people less likely to visit the parking spaces congestion, carbon emissions and making station building it is possible for station area, invest in the area and therefore • The removal of parking on one side of it easier to access the town and travel users to buy a wider range of tickets for contribute to the local economy. the existing access road (New Road) to around it. rail travel and for Bromsgrove residents to aid traffic flow and improve safety This makes the area more attractive access rail promotions and special offers. for businesses and will encourage job What happened? • Introduction of parking restrictions on local residential streets to prevent creation in the Bromsgrove area. The new station is part of a wider overspill station parking (or those programme of electrification of seeking to avoid the parking charges) the network and re-signalling, to The new station was constructed accommodate an increase in service between March 2014 and July 2016. frequency. The station has been constructed around 200m to the south of the old station on the site of a former oil Funding table terminal. The new station provides four platforms, Funder/Source Amount which can accommodate six-car trains and could be extended for nine-car Worcestershire CC trains in the future if required. Step-free access has been provided by a covered £20m footbridge with lifts to allow crossing Centro (now WMCA) between the platforms. Network Rail £5m New facilities have been provided for passengers: Total 25m • Staffed station building with toilets, ticket desk and a retail facility The project was developed by • Undercover, secure cycle storage, Worcestershire County Council, Centro motor cycle parking, electric car (now incorporated as the transport parking and charging points executive into the West Midlands • Covered bus stops Combined Authority) and Network • 350 space car park Rail. Network Rail was the key body for delivering the station. The Department for Transport provided oversight.

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Achievements improvements for the local transport Burnham-on-Crouch The investment in Bromsgrove station system and support the local has delivered a range of positive authorities’ commitment to this as an Making a difference for the outcomes. These include both direct and important driver for local economic indirect effects (and therefore only some development local community by bringing of which can be separated out from wider • Community and social benefits back to life neglected assets changes and sought to be valued). Delivery of the project facilitates the and using them to support full benefits for the local community social and educational to be realised from electrification of Employment the line between Barnt Green and activities. • Direct employment, e.g. additional Bromsgrove, which is to be completed retail at station; Induced employment in summer 2017 The opportunity and challenge arising from increased visitor and • The increased capacity of the car park The town of Burnham-on-Crouch, located traveller spending in local area supports improved accessibility for on the Dengie peninsula, an Area of the local community Outstanding Natural Beauty in Essex, is • Provision of retail facility to serve home to a population of of under 10,000 Local regeneration, economic both station users and local residents people and is best known as a yachting development, and place-making destination hosting the internationally agendas famous ‘Burnham Week’. Given its community, rather than considering it • The project at Bromsgrove has relatively isolated location – 20 miles from solely as a liability for the rail industry, a demonstrated the benefits of taking Chelmsford (the nearest large town) – the partnership of willing organisations was the opportunity of rail focused railway station represents a vital transport formed in 2014 to: “ investment to achieve wider link for residents and visitors alike. Create a sustainable community, Located on the single-track Crouch training and arts facility in Burnham Valley Line, a branch line that avoided Station House, which will support social the Beeching cuts due to the presence engagement and cohesion, promote of Bradwell nuclear power plant (now economic prosperity, and provide decommissioned), the station is used by artists’ studios as a hub for cultural around 750 rail travellers a day. There development1”. are direct services to London during peak hours. The partnership comprised Burnham Town With changes in working practices, the Council, Essex County Council, Abellio station house, originally provided for the Greater Anglia and Essex Community Rail station master, become redundant in the Partnership. 1980s. A target of vandalism and a place Through successful joint working between used by rough sleepers, the station house the railway industry and the local and station facilities became dilapidated community a ‘problem’ was transformed and unwelcoming to users. into a valued facility which has contributed Recognising the opportunity to use the to a sense of local civic pride and helped to station house for the benefit of the wider address anti-social behaviour.

1 Burnham Station House Business Plan, ACAVA, January 2015

14 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 15 Burnham-on-Crouch

What happened? Funding table

Ma Chur ldon Burnham Town Council had long R oad Funder/Source Amount

ch Road campaigned for investment in the N station and station house. Following the establishment of the scheme partnership Essex County Council £56,000 in 2014 a set of objectives was developed. They were to: Abellio Greater Anglia £19,000 • Provide local communities, artists, Magnox Community and start-up businesses with meeting, £10,000 Grant workshop and event spaces; Burnham-on-Crouch rail station • Support the delivery of programmes Third parties £29,000 and events which contribute to community cohesion, creativity and Total £114,000 5

m employment;

in The resulting scheme created two u • Provide meeting places and resources t affordable art studios, as well as space e to support a business development w for community and voluntary use, a programme; lk managed by Burnham Town Council. The • Support the development of tourism station building, canopy, ticket office and to Burnham-on-Crouch and Wallasea, waiting room were all refurbished and including the provision of tourist the station canopy lighting, seating and information; perimeter fencing was replaced. This was d • Mitigate the unemployment resulting all achieved over a three month period in 2015. ion Roa from the closure of Bradwell nuclear

Stat power plant; and Abellio Greater Anglia acted as delivery • Improve and maintain the railway agent for the scheme and has assigned a property at Burnham-on-Crouch23. 10-year lease at peppercorn rent for the station house. Burnham Town Council underwrites the net operating cost of the building, estimated to be about £7,000 per annum.

High Street

2 Burnham House Station Project, available at http://www.esscrp.org.uk/projects/67-burnham-station-house-project.html 3 Burnham Station House Business Plan, ACAVA, January 2015

16 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 17 Burnham-on-Crouch Burnham-on-Crouch

The impact at Burnham-on-Crouch as a gateway to This helps to improve the economic on-Crouch should be conscious of the The impact of the investment in the outstanding natural areas and important prosperity of the area and is especially ‘business’ requirements. Essex County station house and station has been habitats. important as there has not been a large Council put resources in place to help employer in the area since Bradwell Burnham Town Council complete the positive not only to the rail users, but also Among these is Wallasea Island where nuclear power plant closed. business case on the Station House lease the local and wider communities. the Royal Society for the Protection of to show they had considered the ‘hard Birds is working on the largest intertidal Now that there is regular use of the For rail commuters, leisure users and economic truths’. visitors the station environment now habitat creation project in Europe. Six station house for community purposes, provides a safer and more secure hundred hectares of land drained for vandalism and anti-social behaviour has The importance of having the right experience when waiting to travel agriculture and sheep rearing 400 years decreased. Bringing the station up to a contractors in place – people who or on arrival. For local residents the ago is being reformed with 4.5 million good standard has also contributed to a understand and fully support the aims of artists’ studios and the facilities to host tons of earth from the London Crossrail sense of local civic pride. the project – and of maintaining contact community, training and cultural activities excavations and flooded to create a and nurturing relationships was also provide new opportunities for people to wetland bird reserve. With a ferry to mentioned: it’s important to create the meet, learn and develop skills. the island operating from Burnham-on- Accessibility networks to allow the project to thrive. Crouch, the station provides a convenient In 2014, Burnham Town Council received Abellio’s stakeholder management team For the wider community a fit for purpose point of access. a grant of £14,500 from Essex County regularly attend the Steering Group station both sustains the town’s current Council Community Fund to improve meetings to provide advice and work important links to London and major access to the station by the installation of collaboratively to grow the usage of the employment centres in Essex, as well as Station House Activities steps on the adjacent embankment. station house. supporting future proposals for economic In the downstairs part of the station and housing growth locally. Because representatives from Abellio, house, a number of services are hosted Essex County Council and Burnham Lessons learnt Maldon District Council’s Local including counselling advice, citizens’ Town Council visited the station regularly Development Plan (2014-2029) sets advice, the Town Council The Station House Steering Group during the project they were able to pick out plans to deliver a minimum of 450 Chambers and Burnham Children’s Art/ emphasised that parties thinking of up on specific user needs and tailor the dwellings in Burnham-on-Crouch within Burnham Art Trail. The upstairs part of completing a similar project to Burnham- scope of the design to address them. the next decade. As a significant centre the station house provides space for for employment, retail provision and artist studios, available for a low rent. In community facilities, together with the year to May 2016, 148 community access to the Crouch Valley Line, the town group sessions, of various kinds, were represents one of the most sustainable undertaken at the station. The Steering locations in the District for housing Group intends to promote the station growth. better in order to facilitate greater use. Travelling westwards along the Dengie Enterprise Support use the station Crouch Valley Line, towards Wickford, one day a week and it is hoped that the developments are planned for towns group will increase their presence over including South Woodham Ferrers. This time. The initiative provides small and may accommodate up to 1,000 new micro business support in the form of 4 homes in the coming years so there is training and advice e.g. advice on how to potential for an increase in leisure footfall make websites/online marketing.

4 Chelmsford Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation Document, November 2015, available at: http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/sites/chelmsford.gov.uk/files/files/files/documents/files/Issues%20and%20Options%20SA%202015.pdf

18 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 19 Burnham-on-Crouch

Achievements are available for community and Swansea voluntary use. This improves the The investment in Burnham-on-Crouch cultural offerings available for local station has delivered a range of positive residents. outcomes. These include both direct and indirect effects (and therefore only some • Provides an attractive means for of which can be separated out from wider residents and visitors visit the notable changes and sought to be valued). local natural areas and important habitats, such as Wallasea island.

Employment Awards • Stakeholders could not definitively evidence that the station • In recognition of the way that this development had resulted in induced project successfully brought together employment from increased visitor local government, a train operating spend in the local area but were company and community groups, optimistic that this relationship had Burnham-on-Crouch received a Seizing the opportunity to be successfully achieved in the context been created. ‘highly commended’ accolade for re-establish a sense of place of meeting the needs of regular station Small Station of the Year at the users, visitors to the area, rugby match day National Rail Awards 2016. for a gateway to the nation’s crowds and local residents, employees and Local regeneration, economic second city by thinking businesses. development, and place-making beyond the station boundary. Through both successfully contributing to agendas the sense of place for the area and in its • Local residents had been waiting for own right providing an anchor to attract this project to come to fruition for The opportunity and challenge and generate movement along the High some time, and felt it helped improve Swansea is Wales’ second city with a Street corridor, the station is playing their connectivity population of over 240,000. The city is an important role in serving its local community, whether they travel by rail • Investment in the station and home to major employers in the finance or not. station house and subsequent care and media sectors and the headquarters maintenance contribute to delivering of the DVLA, as well as two universities. Prior to the investment in the station and a positive sense of place in contrast to The city sits at the gateway to the directly associated investment in the area the effect of the vandalised property Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first Area of around it, the potential of the station to Outstanding Natural Beauty. provide a good station user experience • Station redevelopment helps meet (meeting the needs of a wide range the aims of Maldon District Council The city’s station is located mid-way along High Street, around half a kilometre north of users) and being integrated with its Local Development Plan, and help surrounding land-uses was unrealised. facilitate growth in an area that can of central Swansea. Its location on an sustainably support housing growth. important north-south route in central Prior to 2010, the station, which is over 150 Swansea and as a transport hub establishes years old, had not had any major material • Community and social benefits it as a key component to the gateway investment since the 1970s. The station was Creation of two art studios, which experience for the city. This role has to therefore characterised by a poor physical

20 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 21 Swansea

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then Road appearance, internally and externally, poor Dogs for the Blind and Swansea Access facilities, inadequate accessibility for all for Everyone, were engaged with

d a users and poor integration with the wider throughout the design and delivery o

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w Cut Road unappealing. Unloved, under-invested and Network Rail directed renewal funding poorly utilised, the area around the station towards the project to meet their

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O and investment around the station. w A483 e N Funding table What happened? Funder/Source Amount Mount Pleasant A483 By late 2010 a package of investments had been assembled by Arriva Trains National Stations Wales and local stakeholders that Improvement £1.250m A4118 included Regeneration Agency Swansea. A4118 Swansea Programme ay Waterfront Together they worked to develop a The Kingsw Welsh Government £2.414m Swansea City Center package of improvements at the station to address a number of objectives: Swansea £0.466m • Improve the appearance of the station Regeneration Agency and its integration to the surrounding Network Rail area £2.859m Renewals Swansea bus • Improve rail passenger satisfaction with station the station and its contribution to their Total £6.989m journey • Improve the safety and security of The project included installing new canopies 7 A406 users of the station and its immediate over the platforms and a new canopy over Maritime Quarter the station’s main entrance, along with the stermouth Road environment Oy removal of double doors. A glass screen • Improve the ability for less able- wall was built to cut draughts on the station bodied passengers to use the station concourse and allow more natural daylight (“Inclusive for all”) into the building. The station frontage was • Local user groups, including Guide also repointed and cleaned.

22 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 23 Swansea Swansea

Ticket gates were increased and relocatedas station and the gateway experience of city and there is evidence that it has played well as the construction of two new We are delighted to see how the arriving in Swansea by train. a part in broader investment in the area. buildings inside the station’s circulation station now operates for passengers, “ Supporting this achievement and bringing Providing an anchor location on the north- area, including a Customer Information Pod staff and local residents. At the benefits to the wider community have south route along High Street, the station and a new retail unit. A new ticket office was beginning of the design process we been the improvements to the exterior of provides a fixed point around which wider created to increase staff visibility. opened up wider issues to consider the station and its immediate vicinity. The regeneration initiatives can be developed at the station and it was really good Other improvements to help passenger new station entrance canopy, with the bold and pursued to address a legacy of under- to see how all the stakeholders experience included digital information and (at night time) lit station name clearly investment along High Street and the at the station worked together to boards (including for bus serving the local announces the presence of the station and disrepair of properties. deliver a holistic project, which in the area), new heated waiting rooms and toilets weaves it into the public space in front of it. end delivered far more than many In the last decade, improvements to the (including a disabled changing Places facility The cleaned and polished façade supports expected at the outset. – Peter Jenkins, area have been stimulated by efforts to – the first in Wales) and bi-lingual signage. A the status of the building as an important BDP Architects. encourage independent, local and start- free to use autobank cash machine was also anchor for the local area and a valued up businesses to the High Street. One installed being the only available free such emblem of the city’s gateway. example is the Urban Village: a £25m machine in the local area. I have no sight at all… so the tactile The impact of this place making effect is high quality housing and commercial Improvements in safety and security were “ wayfinding is extremely helpful.”– difficult to assess, but many stakeholders development aimed at the creative driven by an increase in CCTV cameras and Andrea Gordon, Engagement feel that it is undoubtedly positive for the industries and owned by Coastal Housing the provision of glass with new and more Manager, Guide Dogs Cymru open spaces to provide natural visibility and surveillance. Customer satisfaction scores as measured by the Transport Focus NRPS survey To improve accessibility to the station increased from 50% pre works to 93% catchment a new side entrance was on the survey post works. Feedback from created, tactile wayfinding leading between disabled users on the station improvements the station and local “ftr” Metro stops has been particularly positive with the introduced and additional space added for provision of new toilets, smoother platform cyclists to store their bikes. surfaces, a widened concourse area, The project was completed in May 2012 information in Braille and via tactile and and officially opened on 11th June 2012 large print maps, and a low-height counter by Minister for Local Government and at the information point. Communities at Welsh Government Carl Within the station, the light and airy Sargent AM. design and open layout has had both a positive effect on the levels of crime and perceptions of safety at the station, as well The impact as providing functional flexibility so that the Stakeholder comments on the impact of the station is now better able to cope with large station redevelopment were positive, with crowds on rugby match days, in addition to individuals from Arriva Trains Wales, BDP providing for regular passengers. Architects, and Swansea Council and user These improvements have made a groups all commenting on the beneficial significant impact on perceptions of the effects of the project.

24 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 25 Swansea Swansea

Group, a not-for-profit organisation Mutually supportive, the investment in a new £50m development was planned Community and societal benefits operating in Swansea. the station, the refurbishment of the for the Mariner Street car park, directly • Use of public space outside station Grand Hotel opposite and the clear opposite the station. The vicinity of the station supports efforts (e.g. WW1 commemoration) identity provided by the Urban Village to re-inject activity along the street The major project, called Icon 21, will concept, all raise the bar for future • Prior to the redevelopment, surveys at street level and provide residential include 700 student flats above a ground- development, ensuring a virtuous cycle showed customer satisfaction levels properties above to support an increase floor complex of shops, a restaurant leading to the realisation of the ambitions of only 50%, with poor performance in the city’s residential and employment and a café. It is anticipated that the of Swansea City Council and the wide population. As described by Adam West of development will further improve the on station appearance, facilities range of community groups who have Coastal Housing Group, the rejuvenation look and feel of High Street, boost city and customer focus. Following the engaged in the processes to date. of the station was a welcome ‘piece of the centre business and help to attract redevelopment, customer satisfaction puzzle’ in starting to turn the area around. In February 2016 it was announced that further investment in the area. levels increased to 93%. Heritage value • Station as a landmark (sensitive Achievements enhancement to station frontage and The investment in Swansea station has cleaning of exterior) delivered a range of positive outcomes. These include both direct and indirect effects (and therefore only some of which Awards can be separated out from wider changes In recognition of successful station and sought to be valued). improvement and effective focus on user and stakeholder engagement the station has won several awards including: Employment • Direct employment, e.g. additional • Best Large Station (International retail within the station; Induced Station Awards, 2012); employment arising from increased • Best Overall Station (International visitor and traveller spending in local Station Awards, 2012); and area • Wales’s Best Kept Staffed Station (2012). Local regeneration, economic development, and place-making agendas • The design of a number of elements of the station was developed following extensive consultation with local user groups. The Council determined that the partnerships with local groups worked so well they intend to take it forward as best practice when they developed other infrastructure.

26 | Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations Case Studies | 27 Wakefield Westgate

Wakefield Westgate and had tired retail facilities. It had step-free access perspective. Mobility a cramped first class lounge, no impaired users had to traverse a dedicated standard class waiting barrow crossing to get from one facilities, while the ticket office was platform to another and could wait dated and much bigger than required up to 20 minutes to cross the track. given the reduced number of ‘turn up Wakefield was the only station in and go’ sales. the East Coast franchise where this situation prevailed. • The station was non-compliant from a

A6 1

Northga N Bradford Road te

A61

A61 Transforming the gateway franchise’s most important markets. Wakeﬁeld to Wakefield, supporting the It is a major railhead for passengers Coach station who live in areas not directly served by Street ll wider regeneration of the mainline services. Its catchment covers Be Westgate area and enhancing a significant part of West Yorkshire Wakeﬁeld (Castleford, Pontefract and Huddersfield) Westgate the perception of the city. 5 A642

and also parts of South Yorkshire, such m rail station

i as Barnsley. It is far more easily accessed n u t The opportunity and challenge by road than Leeds and can be speedily e w reached from the M1. a Wakefield Westgate station was lk originally opened in 1856. The station The poor station quality and facilities A638 was redeveloped in 1967 to provide therefore limited the potential for the Wakeﬁeld a new station building. Prior to the station to fulfil its wider role in serving A63 Kirkgate potential passengers, with consequent 8 rail station redevelopment in 2013 there was no A638 substantive investment after 1967, impacts on patronage and revenue. creating a station that appeared run- A number of problems were identified A638 down and dated. The poor impression with the station: of the station was exacerbated by the investment that took place across other • The station was constructed in stations on the East Coast Main Line. the 1960s and no longer provided passenger facilities commensurate Wakefield is one of the East Coast with its role. It was in poor condition

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• The existing footbridge was life- • Complement the new 900 space The project delivered a new station hotel. expired, narrow and not suitable for multi-storey car park and refurbished building built to BREEAM 2011 Excellent provision with lifts. There were holes customer facilities on platform 2 rated standard. The station provided a in the roof where the existing covering (being delivered as a £434,000 NSIP modern open plan foyer including a new The impact had failed. scheme); travel centre and enhanced information, a Stakeholders viewed the station new First Class Lounge and Standard Class • The opening of a 1,500 space multi- • Provide modern step-free level access improvement as transformational, in terms waiting area and increased and better storey car park (doubling spaces and interchange between platforms; of the overall quality of the passenger quality retail outlets and a new coffee shop. dedicated to rail users to 900), as experience. • Improve revenue protection; and part of the adjacent Merchant Gate New lifts provided step-free access to The change in perception that the new development in 2010 made Wakefield • Improve forecourt, pedestrian and platforms and a new enclosed footbridge station provided was viewed as being even more attractive to passengers cycle access by re-locating the station between platforms was constructed. critical. from a wide hinterland. The opening building to the centre of the station The gateway to/ from the station was The point was made that ‘the impression of of the modern car park starkly and building a new forecourt and enhanced through public realm measures Wakefield starts at King’s Cross’. Before the highlighted the inadequacy of the providing vehicle, pedestrian and cycle providing quality public space with new station, Wakefield was the only station station for an interchange station of access directly off the inner ring road. signage, seating and street furniture. The among the 12 on the East Coast Main Line national importance. Being served by local bus as well, new integrated transport interchange this significantly enhanced transport that had not undergone improvement. outside the station provided a functional integration between rail and other This not only provided a poor passenger What happened? forecourt with taxi / car drop-off, short stay experience, but affected the wider The redevelopment of the station was forms of transport. parking and bus replacement facilities with perception of Wakefield. viewed as a central element of a wider Features of the station design included provision for Wakefield’s free access bus. regeneration of the Westgate area (called the use of materials to reflect the city’s The investment in the station and the The project funding was justified on Merchant Gate), between the station and industrial heritage and the form of the wider masterplan included over £20m the basis that additional farebox and the city centre. building relating to the city’s cultural of funding from Wakefield Council, the commercial (station retail) revenue would English Cities Fund and Yorkshire Forward Since 2001 Wakefield Council worked offer, and in particular reflecting the flow deliver a commercial return over the to help with land assembly and road access with English Cities Fund, Network Rail of Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures. 25-year assessment period. In addition, improvements. These enabled the delivery and East Coast franchisees to undertake the use of sustainable materials provided of the £140m developer funded elements major new investment alongside the Funding table life-cycle (maintenance) cost savings and of the Masterplan. Westgate railway station and seek environmental benefits. to secure a new station at Wakefield In respect of the contribution of the Westgate as part of the overall strategy Funder/Source Amount The provision of a new station at Westgate station, the investment was estimated as for the regeneration of Wakefield city. was an integral element of Westgate Key contributing around 20% to the overall Network Rail Station Development Area Masterplan, which was value of the masterplan development, The objectives of the station Commercial Project £7.2m granted outline planning permission in which would not have been realised if the redevelopment were to: Facility (SCPF) 2006. old station had remained. • Provide Wakefield with a new In addition to the station, the masterplan The strong leadership of Wakefield Council welcoming gateway to the city; English Cities Fund £1.0m incorporated provision of new highway and the commitment of partners to the infrastructure, a new 1,500 space multi- investment gave a ‘statement of intent’ • Improve ticket retailing and Total £8.2m commercial retail facilities for all train storey car park, 300,000 sq. feet of office to private sector investors and potential customers; space and 400,000 sq. ft. of retail/leisure occupiers. space, 260 residential units, and a new

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The fact that investment was happening and prospective employees in the was seen as having a catalytic effect, area. as it inspired investors that there is an • Creation of a modern station and investment opportunity arising from the gateway seen as critical in creating a broader regeneration and associated positive perception among potential value uplift this brings. investors. The combined effect of the station and Local regeneration, economic wider masterplan has been to transform development, and place-making and re-focus the commercial and office agendas market in the city. • Station improvements developed Prior to the development high quality as a central component of the wider modern offices did not exist in the city. Masterplan for the area. The development has attracted a number of medium sized companies, • The £8m station investment and including in the insurance and health further £20m public investment were sectors, that would not have located in vital to making the masterplan viable Wakefield otherwise. and leveraging £140m of developer investment. • Community and social benefits Achievements Transformed the appearance, The investment in Wakefield has delivered functionality, permeability and a range of positive outcomes. These perception of the station and include both direct and indirect effects Westgate quarter, providing direct (and therefore only some of which can be benefits to the community. separated out from wider changes and sought to be valued). • The Masterplan includes a new Council office building, which includes an inquiry office, city library, city Employment museum and not-for-profit café. • The station includes a travel centre, enhanced retail outlets, and coffee shops which have all provided Heritage value employment opportunities for local • The station is modern in feel, but the residents. design relates to city’s past industrial heritage and its cultural and artistic • The provision of enhanced quality of heritage. The station form reflects the station and surrounding public Hepworth’s sculpture and public art is realm, with a multiple use garden showcased in the plaza immediately space in front of the station, ensures outside the station. an attractive experience for current

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Read ea ad ding ing Roa R N ooa ad d

Rea ding Ro ad

A329

between Workingham and Reading, has Wokingham Transforming the image and rail station et attracted companies in the computer stre experience of accessing and ach and electronics industries. Phase I of the Pe using Wokingham station, Wellington Road University of Reading’s Thames Valley 5 both within and beyond the Science Park has been delivered, which m i houses a science and technology centre n railway boundary. u t 1 and centre for business incubation. Phase e 2 w A3 II has outline planning consent. a lk The opportunity and challenge Wokingham station is an important Wokingham, seven miles south-east of interchange for east-west and north- Reading, has a highly-skilled workforce, a south rail, providing connections to growing knowledge-based economy and Reading, London Waterloo, Guildford and A321 low levels of unemployment. Across the Gatwick Airport. The station is located at borough around 35,000 residents live and the west edge of the town centre. work locally, while around 45,000 travel to Wokingham station opened in 1849. In 5 work outside of the borough . 1973 the original station was replaced There has recently been substantial with a building consisting of pre- investment in high-tech business and fabricated concrete sections. Surrounding research facilities in the local area. the station was a car park whose layout Winnersh Triangle, a new £100 million generated conflicts between vehicles and business park located on a 41-acre site pedestrians.

5 Wokingham Borough Council, Economic Development Strategy 2010 to 2013. 6 Wokingham Town Centre Masterplan (2010)

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The effect was an “unattractive and The upgraded station amenities include: Funding table construction phase. Key delivery unwelcoming”6 environment and the challenges included the need to • Improved passenger information absence of coherent integration of the Funder/Source Amount temporarily relocate car parking. station with the surrounding townscape. • Ticket machines inside and outside Additionally, the adjacent level crossing the building Network Rail / NSIP £6.0m caused significant local highway traffic The impact • Ticket office queues as the barriers were down around Other, including The new station building, designed in 25% of the time and integration between • Café Wokingham Borough £6.7m a contemporary style, provides natural the station and bus services was poor. • Seated waiting area Council, South West daylight, modern facilities and a much Trains improved experience for station users. • Step-free access to platforms via a What happened? bridge with lifts Total £12.7m Supporting a high quality experience of the whole integrated journey is the Following public consultation in 2012 Outside of the station building new improved provision of walking routes, taxi for improvements to the station and link features and facilities include: The combined cost of the scheme, drop-off and pick-up, bus stops and cycle road, there was strong support for the • Wide pavements along Station Link including new station building and parking. proposed highway changes. Priorities Road, use of high quality materials associated platform works, a new were identified to be reducing traffic Wider transport network effects arise and potted plants footbridge with lifts, and a new link road from the construction of the southern congestion, improving road safety and with junction alterations, was almost 7 • Drop-off zone along Station Road section of the new station link road improving public space for pedestrians. £13m. leading to the station constructed on the site of the old station The objectives for the station and link Network Rail took the lead in managing building. This link road allows a gyratory road scheme were: • A net gain of 120 car parking spaces. the station improvement project, and system, which is an important part of There was initially a net loss of car • Remove traffic from the town centre; part-funded the development via the strategy for the regeneration of parking, and a later addition of a two- and the National Stations Improvement Wokingham Town Centre. level decked car park. Programme. Wokingham Borough • Improve the station building, forecourt The benefits of the new highway layout • Two bus stops adjacent to the station Council took the lead on the and car park. include: redevelopment of the station building, • Taxi pick-up/drop-off Between November 2012 and October the forecourt, interchange with other • One way (northbound) access to the 2013 a new station building was built 50m • Cycle parking transport modes and the access road. station via Station Link Road to improve north of the old station building. The new South West Trains was responsible for flow and reduce traffic conflicts building has a lighter, more contemporary The new station has definitely had expanding the car park. • Signal timing coordinated with level design, with upgraded amenities, step- a positive effect on the image of “ When the project experienced funding crossing barriers to reduce queues free access to platforms, an improved the area. The previous station was challenges, Network Rail managed public realm surrounding the station, • Shared pedestrian/cycle road really run-down. The new station is to secure additional funding from more parking and a new link road for connecting Station Link Road and the properly planned. Facilities are what the National Stations Improvement better road connections. The site of the station passengers need and expect.- Paula Programme to meet the increased costs. old station building became the southern Haustead, Network Rail section of the new link road. Delivering the new station building in a different location to the old station building meant that no temporary facilities were required during the

7 Wokingham Borough Council, Station Link Road: Results of Public Consultation, June 2012

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In designing and delivering the link road a • An improvement programme has clear intent was to ensure that it met the started for Market Place following the needs of all users, not just motorists, and station upgrade. This improved market provided a “safe, convenient and attractive place will be able to serve as a visitors’ environment that encourages people to use attraction for individuals, without the the place and so enriches the experience of station serving as a disincentive to this part of the town centre” 8. people visiting. Without having addressed the means of access to and from the station, the Community and social benefits investment in the station building would have had limited benefit. The project as a • Increased accessibility with the whole enables the station and local highway provision of a new footbridge and lifts. network to accommodate increased levels This ensures that the station meets of demand, supporting local economic the needs of a wide section of the local and development growth, such as the two community and visitors, increasing large-scale residential sites being developed access the national rail network in Wokingham which upon completion will mobility of local residents on the deliver over 1,400 new homes. wider rail network.

Achievements Awards • In 2016, the Wokingham Rail Station Employment and Link Road Re-Development • A Carnival leisure hub is to be built in scheme won the Urbanisation Award at close proximity to the station, given the the Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) accessibility it provides. Events at the South East England Award Ceremony9. centre will create jobs, whilst attracting people to Wokingham.

Local regeneration, economic development, and place-making agendas • Following the investment in the station, the local area has benefited from redevelopment of Peach and Market Place, and Elms Field and Paddocks.

8 Wokingham Borough Council 9 Institute of Civil Engineers, https://www.ice.org.uk/near-you/uk/south-east-england/awards/engineering-excellnce-awards#pro- file-wokingstation

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