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Wednesday 11 Apr 2018

Network Rail take over Guildford and Clapham Junction stations to support future redevelopment

Region & Route:

Southern: Wessex

| Southern

Network Rail have taken over Guildford and Clapham Junction stations to support ongoing delivery of the Railway Upgrade Plan.

The stations became Network Rail managed stations earlier this month to support the major schemes planned for both stations, which will be led by Network Rail. 

A £150 million redevelopment of Guildford station has been approved by the planning inspectorate and Network Rail also has aspirations to increase train capacity with a new platform and track works.

At Clapham Junction, Network Rail is developing options to relieve congestion in the short term and investigating the feasibility of a more significant station redevelopment in the longer-term.

Jason Bridges, chief operating officer for Network Rail’s Wessex route, said:

“We are delighted to take responsibility for the management of Guildford and Clapham Junction stations.

“This is an important milestone in our work to give passengers a railway service fit for the 21st century as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.                                                                                                    

"We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at South Western Railway and other train operating companies so that passengers will continue to experience the same day-to-day operation of both these stations.”

David Biggs, managing director of Network Rail Property, said:

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter for Guildford and Clapham Junction.

“Managing both stations will allow us to deliver significant benefits to the railway, station users and surrounding communities. Our previous work across our managed station portfolio has helped deliver a range of important projects, including the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street, King’s Cross and London Bridge stations. These projects improve customer experiences, create jobs and support economic growth while opening up underdeveloped land for housing and commercial development. We look forward to bringing this expertise to both of these stations.”

Jenny Saunders, head of stations for South Western Railway, said:

“It’s business as usual for the teams operating these busy stations and we will continue to run the trains while Network Rail focuses on the redevelopment proposals.”

While both stations have become Network Rail stations, South Western Railway will keep most day-to-day responsibilities for running the two stations and staff roles will not be directly affected. Network Rail are now responsible for maintenance and renewal work at the stations as well as all commercial activities, excluding ticket sales.

The transfer was included in the invitation to tender for the South Western franchise.

Network Rail will manage redevelopment projects at these two stations because the potential work – particularly at Clapham Junction – would be on such a scale that it may extend beyond the life of South Western Railway’s franchise, from 2017 to 2024.

ENDS