Media centre

Monday 16 Apr 2012

STATION UPGRADE GIVES SITTINGBOURNE A LIFT

Region & Route:

| Southern

Major work has been completed to improve access and facilities for more than two million passengers who pass through Sittingbourne station every year.

Two new lifts linked by a new footbridge have created a step-free route between the station entrance and platforms to provide better access to train services. The improvements have been funded through the government’s Access for All programme and cost around £1.8m.

The work has also included a series of enhancements to station facilities funded through the National Stations Improvement Programme and include:
- Relocating and increasing the number of cycle parking spaces outside the station

- Renovating all passenger toilets

- Creating new waiting shelters on the platforms and a new waiting room on platform

- Repositioning the ticket gates to create more space for passengers in the ticket office

- Installing a new customer information screen and non-slip flooring in the ticket office

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent, said: “Improving access and facilities at stations is one of our priorities in building a bigger and better railway. These improvements will better equip Sittingbourne station to handle the increasing number of passengers who use it every day.”

Charles Horton, managing director of Southeastern said: “This project is part of our commitment and continuing efforts to provide passengers with a high quality service. The new lifts in particular will make a huge difference for passengers using Sittingbourne Station and we hope that passengers are pleased with new and improved facilities.”

Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey said: “'I am pleased that Sittingbourne station was part of this major Government upgrade scheme and I really welcome these improvements. Accessing trains will now be easier for local users, particularly the disabled, the elderly and those with young children.'

Train services were largely unaffected for the duration of the construction work and Network Rail worked closely with Southeastern to keep any disruption for passengers and line-side neighbours to a minimum.