Construction on the transformation of the Weymouth train station’s forecourt (Weymouth Station Gateway) is set to start on Monday 22 November. The Pocket Park element of the scheme will start early in the New Year.
The work promises to provide a more welcoming, attractive and safer environment bringing benefits to the local community, businesses and all users of the station. The transformation work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and allow the station to fully operate as normal.
The main infrastructure work and surfacing should be completed by the end of March 2022 when landscaping and planting will be added. Updates will be available for everyone through a weekly blog which people can follow on Weymouth Station Gateway Improvement Scheme | Dorset Coast Have Your Say as the work progresses.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“This is great news; I fully welcome this new design and support the proposals to deliver what the community wants. Residents’ views have been taken on board during the development stages of this design and along with other improvements happening in Weymouth over the winter, this is a great example of the community working together in partnership to deliver much needed development in this area.”
For those wishing to park at the station while commuting, there will be alternative use of Network’s Rail additional car park opposite B&Q accessible via the Jubilee Retail Park. Signage and diversions will be in place. Please note there is direct access to platform 1 on the station from this car park. Disabled car parking is also available at this location. Drop off and pickup facilities will still be available and signposted during the construction phases. Taxi access will remain unaffected.
Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager at South Western Railway, added:
“We have been working towards construction for some time and now to finally realise this is welcome news. The new design has addressed the many challenges we face and will enhance the customer experience within the station environment. We have come a long way since the consultation and now have a design to improve the experience of all station users and welcome visitors to the town.
“The more integrated transport links should be beneficial to all, especially the new bus stops on the forecourt and King Street itself. It will complement the funding secured from Department of Transport and Dorset Council for improved cycle parking facilities at the station. I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape on the ground and working with partners to explore options for a next phase of improvements to the station building.”
Follow the progression and weekly updates at www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/weymouth-gateway
