FRESH START FOR SWANSEA STATION

Monday 11 Jun 2012

FRESH START FOR SWANSEA STATION

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

Swansea railway station has a new look thanks to a multi-million pound investment and renewal programme.

More than 2 million passengers use the station each year and will see a much fresher and efficient station as a result of the work.

Funding for the £7m project came from Network Rail, the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Stations Improvement Programme.

Network Rail tied in its renewal work at the station to increase the scope of the project, which was delivered by station operator Arriva Trains Wales.

The project encompassed:

completely new canopies over the platforms
new canopy over the station’s main entrance
glass screen wall to cut draughts on the station concourse but also allow light into the building
new ticket barriers
two new buildings inside the station circulating area, including an information point
new ticket office
station frontage ecoblasted and cleaned

Network Rail route managing director Mark Langman said: “The work to improve Swansea station is part of a series of improvements to the railways in South West Wales. The work will have a big impact on people’s first impressions of Swansea and passengers will enjoy a much brighter and more comfortable station.

“Along with the Welsh Assembly Government, we are also carrying out work to redouble the line between Swansea and Gowerton, and rebuilding the Loughor viaduct, bringing the potential for more services to points west of Swansea and encouraging business growth across the region.”

Welsh Government Minister, Carl Sargeant, said:“Swansea High Street Station plays a key role in the success and perception of Swansea. “This re-development, which will complement the refurbished Quadrant Bus Station, will provide a first class, modern rail facility featuring improved safety and security and exemplary accessibility.”

“Improving accessibility at railway stations in Wales is a key priority for the Welsh Government and the improvements that have been carried out at Swansea High Street Station is a reflection of our commitment to enhancing accessibility."

The official opening will take place this Monday (June 11) at the station, at 12.40pm. Welsh Government Minister Carl Sargeant AM will be there, along with senior figures from Arriva Trains and Network Rail.

Work continues behind the scenes to make repairs to the roof and damp proof the building.

Notes to editors

Swansea station was built in 1850, originally of timber construction, and completely reconstructed in stone 1932, along with Cardiff Central (Caerdydd Canolog).

It was originally known as Swansea High Street, until the city’s other mainline stations closed and it became the only one.

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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