Media centre

Friday 17 Sep 2010

LIME STREET STATION IS THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

Region & Route:

Lime Street’s main line railway station has received a double accolade at the National Rail Awards ceremony. Not only was it named as station of the year in the large station category, it then went on to win the overall station of the year award.

The judges commented: “The front of the station, with its magnificent arch, now fully restored, presents a splendid spectacle from the approach and is one of the best in the country.”

The award was collected by Tom Caine, Network Rail’s station manager and his predecessor Roy Greenhalgh, who now works in Preston.

Mr Caine said: “This is a proud moment for me and everyone who has been involved in the steady transformation of the station, started by Roy when Network Rail took it over. It is a real team effort and this award should be shared by everyone who works on the station whether they work for Network Rail, our contractors or retailers.”

The station has undergone a transformation in the recent years since responsibility for its management was taken over by Network Rail.

Millions of pounds have been invested to bring the station up to modern standards.

• The taxi rank, short stay parking and passenger pick up/drop off points have been relocated to the opposite side of the station making them much more passenger friendly
• a new information point, passenger lounges and retail units have been built in the wide space between the long distance platforms seven and eight
• the ticket office and travel centre have been refurbished
• the south concourse has been resurfaced and redundant buildings removed to open it up
• toilets have been relocated/refurbished
• a new station cleaning regime has been introduced
• a comprehensive CCTV system has been installed to enhance passenger safety; and security staff patrol the station

The 11.5m passengers that use the station each year can do so knowing they are in the best in the country.