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Wednesday 23 Jul 2025

Opening event celebrates Derbyshire station accessibility scheme’s successful completion

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

The completion of Alfreton station’s £6.75 million accessibility upgrade was celebrated with an official opening event today (Wednesday 23 July).

The project was funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All scheme and delivered by Network Rail’s East Midlands route.

It has involved building two lifts, fully refurbishing the footbridge, adding a new ramp and steps from the car park to the station entrance, resurfacing platforms with tactile paving, and upgrading lighting and CCTV.

To celebrate the completion, an official opening event was held at the station, attended by local dignitaries, community representatives and project partners.

Mark Budden, Network Rail route director, said: “The improvements delivered at Alfreton are already making a huge difference to everyone who uses the station. We’re very pleased that more people can travel to and from here with confidence, regardless of their mobility needs.

“These upgrades have made the station not only more accessible but also much more welcoming. The project provides a great example of how investment in our railway can have a significant and lasting positive impact on people’s lives.“

Click play to watch Mark Budden discussing the importance of the Alfreton station upgrade

Today's event featured speeches, a tour of the new facilities and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth, who officially opened the upgraded Alfreton station, said: “I’m delighted to see this important investment from Network Rail in Alfreton station. The people of Alfreton deserve modern, accessible transport facilities, and these new lifts will make a real difference.

“The installation of these lifts will make travelling easier for all – from daily commuters to those with disabilities or mobility issues. This is a positive step for our community and the needs of Alfreton’s passengers.”

Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re proud to see the completion of the Access for All scheme at Alfreton station.

“This investment will make a real difference to the everyday journeys of our customers – whether they’re using wheelchairs, pushing prams, carrying luggage, or simply looking for a more comfortable and seamless travel experience. The addition of new lifts, a fully refurbished footbridge, and enhanced step-free access will help ensure the station is welcoming to all.

“We worked closely with Network Rail throughout the project to deliver these vital improvements for our customers in the East Midlands.”

Long-time accessibility campaigner Cllr Marlene Bennett, Alfreton Town Council, said: “It’s my dream come true! The lifts are brilliant and will benefit so many people. Thanks to everybody who made this possible.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The Government’s £6 million investment in Alfreton Station will deliver lasting benefits for passengers and improve access to the wider transport network.

“Our Access for All programme is making positive impacts across the country, and we’re clear in our ambitions for our transport network to be accessible so people can travel easily, confidently, and with dignity.”

The lifts are open for use 24/7 following the completion of the new CCTV monitoring system.