Media centre

Thursday 10 Jul 2008

TRANSPORT MINISTER OPENS NEW STATION IN MITCHAM

Region & Route:

| Southern

A new station in south London was officially opened today as transport minister Tom Harris MP visited Mitcham Eastfields.

Since last month, the station has offered improved journeys for Mitcham residents while also demonstrating a new generation of stations to be built by Network Rail.

Over £6m has been invested by Network Rail working in partnership with Merton Council, Southern, First Capital Connect and Transport for London to develop and construct Mitcham Eastfields, which is located in zone three between Streatham and Mitcham Junction stations.

Passengers can now travel to central London in less than 20 minutes, with direct services to destinations including London Victoria and St Pancras.

Mitcham Eastfields is one of the first modular stations built by Network Rail. The building was constructed off-site and lifted into place at the station in sections, meaning less disruption for residents and rail users. The building is designed to minimise energy use and incorporates solar panels and rainwater harvesting facilities.

Accessibility is also a key feature, with a footbridge and lifts to connect the two platforms.

Transport Minister Tom Harris MP said: "With the opening of Mitcham Eastfields, residents have an eco-friendly travel option on their doorstep. The new station will help meet Mitcham’s growing transport needs both now and in the years ahead. Mitcham Eastfields station is the new green gateway for residents travelling to central London, Surrey or destinations further afield."

Network Rail's Route Director Fiona Taylor said: “Mitcham Eastfields station is a great example of our commitment to building a bigger and better railway that supports both communities and the environment. This is a bright, smart, sustainable station that creates new journey opportunities and brings real benefits to passengers.”

Merton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration Councillor Diane Neil Mills said: “This station has been wanted by Mitcham residents for decades and to see it finally completed and being used by so many people is a great joy. Mitcham Eastfields connects Mitcham to so many places and opportunities. I’ve spoken to residents on the platform and some have said that their journeys have been cut by more than two hours - that’s got to be a positive impact on quality of life. What with the new Generator Business Centre offering affordable space for start ups and now a new train station linking Mitcham to the City, Mitcham really is a financially viable place to do business.”

Southern Managing Director Chris Burchell said: “As principal train operator on the line, we are delighted to be managing this superb new station. Since the station opened in June, we have received extremely good feedback from Mitcham residents who are very pleased to have the station so near to their homes. More and more people are now using the station which is quickly becoming an integral part of the local community.”

First Capital Connect Deputy Managing Director Andy Cope said: "It is great news that the area now has a mainline station after all these years and we would like to warmly welcome First Capital Connect customers from Mitcham Eastfields. The local academy specialises in science and technology and this new energy efficient station will be a great example of sustainable design for the students."