Chester station footbridge is re-opened after refurbishment

Thursday 6 Jun 2013

Chester station footbridge is re-opened after refurbishment

Region & Route:: | Wales & Western: Western; | Wales & Western

A refurbished historic footbridge at Chester railway station is to be officially re-opened by Network Rail on Thursday, 6 June 2013.

The refurbishment is the final redevelopment project to be delivered as part of a multi-million pound Chester Renaissance programme for the station and the surrounding area over the past several years.

Network Rail and train operator Arriva Trains Wales have invested around £8.5m at Chester station over the last five years, including the £900,000 spent recently on refurbishing the footbridge.

The funding has come from the Department for Transport. Other work has included a new roof, improved customer facilities and better access for disabled and elderly people.

Mark Langman, Network Rail route managing director, said: “This project marks the completion of a significant investment to enhance the facilities at Chester station and to improve the station and surrounding environment for passengers - an important gateway and shop window for the historic city.

“I’d like to thank all the stakeholders, particularly the Townscape Heritage Initiative programme and the Railway Heritage Trust, for their financial and advisory support for this project, without which it may not have happened.”

Network Rail scheme project manager, Najmun Shah said: “The footbridge has been refurbished to enhance both its appearance and make it easier to maintain. The scheme combines necessary structural repairs with contemporary glazing and surfacing materials and traditional conservation work and finishes.”

Lynne Milligan, customer services director for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “We welcome the work undertaken by Network Rail, which will build on the improvement work already undertaken at Chester station.

“The historic nature of the station means that these projects come with a great deal of responsibility, and we are grateful for the input of all the various stakeholders in terms of guiding the final look and design. We think this will further enhance an already excellent station environment.”

Work on the £900,000 refurbishment project started on site in September 2012 and was completed in May 2013. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through their Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme and through Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) and Chester Renaissance, with further direct funding from CWaC, the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT) and Network Rail.

The footbridge is a historically important feature of Chester railway station, which was built in 1848 for the Chester & Holyhead and Shrewsbury & Chester railway companies. Its refurbishment means the station can now be entered for a National Rail Heritage Award.

Notes to editors

The footbridge will be officially opened by Mark Langman, Network Rail route managing director, at 11am on Thursday 6 June.

Chester railway station is a Grade 2 Star listed building of Italianate architectural style and the footbridge was constructed around 1890, when the long island platforms were added.

The footbridge spans platforms 3 and 4 at Chester station on the Crewe to Chester line. It provides pedestrian access to Platforms 3 and 4 on the west side and platform 7 on the east side. It comprises a single span wrought iron lattice through girder construction, with a separate link span of similar construction from the Platform 3 access stairs.

The ‘Chester Station and Approaches’ Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) started in April 2007. It was a £1.1 million grant programme and over the six-year implementation it has supported restoration and repairs of several retail and residential properties on Brook Street, parts of the Station Frontage Building including the first floor East Wing Offices, Island Platform buildings at the railway station, and public realm.

Chester Renaissance is the organisation responsible for overseeing delivery of the Strategic One City Plan and guiding development and investments in Chester City Centre. The overarching aim is to support and improve the sustainable economic, social and environmental prosperity of Chester. It is overseen by the Chester Renaissance Board - a partnership which brings together the public, private and voluntary Sectors, acting as ‘Guardians’ of the One City Plan and advocates for Chester.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, HLF aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, it invests in every part of the UK’s diverse heritage. HLF has supported almost 35,000 projects with more than £5.3bn across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk.

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