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Tuesday 1 Jun 2010

GOING FOR GOLD: NETWORK RAIL REVAMPS LOUGHBOROUGH STATION

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Please note there is not an embargo on this story - the embargo previously advised was a typo.
Apologies for any confusion.

Network Rail is beginning the first in a series of projects to improve passenger facilities at Loughborough station in time for Team GB’s pre-2012 Olympic training at the University.

Once complete the station will have:

• A new fully-accessible footbridge with lifts
• A new eastern gateway providing an improved car park, access, bus and taxi rank.
• New station canopies, improving the station ambiance
• Extended platforms, capable of accommodating longer, ten-car trains, giving more capacity for passengers
• Renewed CCTV, cycle parking, customer toilets, refurbished waiting rooms and ticket office and updated customer information screens.

Engineers are starting work on the new station canopies, which will be completed by October this year. Work on the step-free access improvements, the longer platforms and other passenger facilities will follow with all work is set to complete by January 2012.

Dyan Crowther, route director for Network Rail, said: “Loughborough station is a focal point for those travelling to and from the town and these significant enhancements to passenger facilities will make sure that the first impression that visitors get is positive and welcoming. 

“We are working hard to make sure that any inconvenience during the works will be kept to a minimum.”

Wayne Kyte, route manager for East Midlands Trains, added: “We welcome the investment planned for this very busy station. 

“The changes planned will complement the improvements we have made to train performance and customer service over the last two years, and will ensure that passengers using Loughborough station can have an enjoyable journey from start to finish.”