Media centre

Friday 12 Nov 2004

FIRST BIRTHDAY FOR LIME STREET STATION TEAM

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Lime Street station in Liverpool is celebrating its first year of being managed by Network Rail with a look back at its achievements in that time. Roy Greenhalgh, station manager, said: “The team has done a fantastic job since Network Rail took over and passengers are voting with their feet. In the past 12 months 17.25 million people have used the station. That’s a huge number for just one station and it’s over half of the total that travel on the Merseyrail system in a year (30m).” Since the change of management, Network Rail has considerably increased safety and security for all those passengers by installing over 40 CCTV cameras and introducing security patrols. New directional signs guide people around the station and customer assistance staff is on hand to help with any queries. They can also drive disabled passengers round the station in a purpose-built buggy, capable of taking a wheelchair on board using special ramps, as well as having ordinary seating for those who simply find the walk to their train too much. Both the ladies and gents toilets have been completely refurbished and there is extra seating on the station, which is being kept in good order by a new cleaning regime. The left luggage office has been moved to be nearer the platforms used by long-distance trains, as it is more likely that those passengers will use the facility. Previously it was in the far corner of the station. The improvements and new facilities have proved of great benefit to the 47,000 people who use the station each day. Station announcements have been improved by the addition of some extra speakers and new doors are in place on the Skelhorn Street and Lime Street entrances. To add even more to the overall effect, the station is playing host to the work of several artists and there are digital self-portraits, giant inflating/deflating flowers and a special music speaker to enhance the travel experience. The transformation is set to continue as Network Rail intends to revamp the inside of the station in time for the Capital of Culture celebrations. Among major benefits to station users will be a new ticket office and travel centre in the ground floor of the Lime Street Chambers building, a new enclosed seating area including refreshments between platforms 7 and 8 and the relocation of the taxi rank. These, and other improvements, are all designed to complement the Gateway project, which will open up the area at the front of the station, providing a public area from which to reflect on Liverpool’s history and heritage, clearly visible as visitors arrive in the city.