[A] project to create a new transport hub at Workington Railway Station to encourage more sustainable travel has been successfully completed.
Cumbria County Council has delivered the £3m scheme which has involved building a new car park, drop-off area and improvements to the public realm in front of the station. The scheme has also delivered improvements to pedestrian and cycle access to the station.
The new transport hub, which was funded by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, aims to encourage people to travel by train along the Cumbrian Coast, reduce traffic congestion and improve access to Workington rail station.
The hub was developed on the site of the former railway goods yard. Works on the project started with the demolition of disused buildings, a redundant rail platform and other minor structures, and earthworks to treat and remove contaminated material. Construction work then started on creating:
- A new 143-space car park
- New access road to A597
- Realignment of roads and footways
- New paving and road surface treatments
- Drainage works, including construction of new pumping station
- New walling, fencing and landscaping
- Installation of street lighting, street furniture and bus shelter
- Provision of drop-off area, disabled parking and bike parking facilities
Story Contracting was appointed as the main contractor for the Workington transport hub project and the design work was carried out by Capita Property and Infrastructure.
Cumbria County Councillor Alan Barry, Local Member for the area, said: “The new hub looks superb and has really transformed Workington Rail Station, creating a wonderful gateway for the town. I’d like to thank the contractors for their professionalism and for keeping the community informed throughout the works.”
Graham Haywood, Director of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Workington railway station is an important transport hub and we have been able to contribute significant investment from our existing Growth Deal funding for greater parking capacity and accessibility. Improvements such as these to Cumbria’s transport infrastructure are essential to support businesses and stimulate the local economy, and this project is aligned with our Infrastructure Plan which recommends improvements to key parts of our rail network.”
Laurence Hilland, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the Cumbrian Coast Line, said: “The importance of car parking provision at railway stations cannot be overstated. The welcome completion of the Workington hub not only regenerates a neglected area of the town, but provides a much-needed facility for all rail passengers. It also comes at the right time for the extra rail services to be introduced in May 2018. The reaction from the travelling public is extremely positive and complimentary, particularly with the landscaping and notable attention to detail. Cumbria County Council and its contractors have done a tremendous job.”
