NETWORK RAIL KICKS OFF SEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT PARTNER AT EXETER ST DAVIDS STATION

Friday 30 Sep 2011

NETWORK RAIL KICKS OFF SEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT PARTNER AT EXETER ST DAVIDS STATION

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

Network Rail has launched the search for a development partner to commercially redevelop land adjacent to Exeter St Davids station, which will result in real improvements for passengers.

As well as providing a new mixed-use development for Exeter, the scheme will also deliver additional car parking capacity, enhance the transport interchange at the station and create a new public realm at the gateway to the city.

A notice has been issued in the Official Journal of the European Union seeking registrations of interest to undertake the development of the site, which extends to 5.9 acres comprising the station’s three surface-level car parks (totalling 415 spaces). A condition of the development will be the replacement of these car parks with 475 new spaces, potentially in a multi-storey development, as well as the enhanced transport interchange and improved public realm.

David Biggs Network Rail’s director of property said: “Network Rail is committed to improving the railway for passengers and getting value for money. By working in partnership with a commercial developer we can deliver these much needed improvements to the car parking and transport interchange facilities at Exeter St David’s station in a cost-effective way and generate additional revenue which we can reinvest in the nation’s railways.

The deadline for responses will be 4 November 2011 with those shortlisted invited to make detailed scheme submissions, and it is anticipated that final developer selection will take place in spring 2012.

Notes to editors

Exeter St Davids:

- Is the city’s busiest station serving around 2m passengers per year. The station offers long distance high-speed trains to London and an interchange for local services.

- The Barnstable line, which connects into Exeter, has experienced growth of around 74% in the last ten years.

Exeter:

- Is forecast to be among the biggest growth cities in the South West of England by 2026.

- Exeter's economy has grown dramatically in the last decade with 68,000 jobs in the city in 1998 rising to 86,000 jobs in 2004. Exeter's growth in jobs has been the third highest in the country.

- Exeter University No. 10 in top universities league table.

Network Rail:

- Is one of the largest land and property owners in the country and will generate over £1bn in the next five years from commercial activities for re-investment in our rail estate. This would be enough to transform Birmingham New Street or King’s Cross stations, or put in place 5,000km of new railway.

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