Media centre

Thursday 27 Sep 2007

HIGH WYCOMBE STATION RESTORED AFTER FIRE

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

| Southern

Network Rail and Chiltern Railways this week completed the £850k refurbishment of High Wycombe station following the fire in November 2005, which all but destroyed the station building. The new station building has been open since 3rd September but the final works are now complete. The refurbishment involved rebuilding the entire roof along with replacing damaged flooring, ceilings and walls. A brand new ticket office has been fitted with new suspended ceilings and lighting to create a modern look to the station. The new ticket windows and counters now include a new disabled access counter. Two new customer information screens have also been installed and the PA system and CCTV have been restored. Other features include a new retail area and concourse and outdoor lighting which has been restored in-keeping with the conservation area in which the station falls. Chris Rowley, Network Rail’s Area General Manager said: "We are proud of the restoration work at the station following the fire. We would like to thank all the passengers and staff for their patience whilst the works took place. Everyone who uses the station can now enjoy a brighter and more pleasant environment." Adrian Shooter, Chairman of Chiltern Railways, said: "This is great news for our passengers and staff at High Wycombe. We would like to thank the local community for their support during the refurbishment. It’s been a long wait, but we’re pleased to finally have our station back." The station did not close during the refurbishment but a temporary ticket office was put in place whilst the refurbishment went ahead.