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Monday 16 Jun 2025

Contract awarded to improve accessibility at Chalkwell station

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail has awarded a contract to improve accessibility at Chalkwell station to Octavius, to make the station step-free for the first time.  

Working in collaboration with c2c and Southend City Council, Network Rail and Octavius will install two new lifts, making it easier and safer for all passengers with reduced mobility, pushchairs or heavy luggage to move between street and platform level.  The improvements are being funded by the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme which aims to improve accessibility for everyone across the UK’s rail network.  

The work will also include the installation of a new modern footbridge and stairs, replacing the existing footbridge and stairs which is coming to the end of its design life.  A disused goods lift shaft at the back of the station building, which has not been in operation for over 40 years, will be removed to make space for the new lift to be installed.  

Preparatory works are expected to start this summer, which will include the construction of a temporary footbridge and stairs to allow the old footbridge to be removed this autumn.  

Once complete the improvements will significantly enhance accessibility and make rail travel more convenient for everyone using Chalkwell station. Work is currently planned to be complete and lifts open by the end of 2026.  

More information will be shared at a public drop-in event (date to be confirmed) before the start of main construction to answer any questions that passengers and local residents may have about our plans.  

Katie Frost, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: 
“We’re committed to making our railway more inclusive and better connected for the communities we serve. Improving station access will help more people travel independently and with confidence and working with our partners, we’re now taking an important step toward delivering these benefits at Chalkwell.” 
 
Donna Thorpe, asset director at c2c, said: 
 "These works mark a historic stage in the improvement of the Chalkwell station which when complete, will hugely benefit the local community and all those using the c2c rail service. 

"We recognise that while these take place, there will be unavoidable changes to our customers' experience of the station. To ensure these changes are as minimal as possible, we will continue to work closely with Network Rail, Octavius Infrastructure Ltd and Southend City Council.” 

Isayas Tecleberhan, Octavius Infrastructure Framework director, said: “We’re proud to have been awarded the Access for All works at Chalkwell Station and would like to thank Network Rail for the opportunity to continue our successful partnership. 

Delivering step-free access through the installation of lifts and a new footbridge will make a meaningful difference to passengers, and we look forward to working collaboratively to deliver this important scheme safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.”