Work begins on improvements to Peterborough Station

GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE ...How Peterborough's main station entrance will look following a £2.5 million redevelopment by train operator East Coast and Network Rail. The work is expected to be complete by early summer 2012.

Work has begun on a major £2.5 million redevelopment scheme to revitalise Peterborough station, which will transform it into a vibrant gateway to the city for passengers using the East Coast Main Line.

GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE ...How Peterborough's main station entrance will look following a £2.5 million redevelopment by train operator East Coast and Network Rail. The work is expected to be complete by early summer 2012.

Funded by train operator East Coast and Network Rail through the Government’s National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP), the project will include key improvements such as a smart new frontage, lighter and brighter interior and a larger concourse – all contributing towards an improved travelling and working environment.

The first phase of activity will be preparatory work for proposed improvements to platforms 4 and 5, including the creation of a new waiting room, whilst preparing to expand the main concourse and provide a new customer information point.

East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell said: “The redevelopment will be in three phases, each lasting about three months and contributing towards a much improved environment at the station.

“Passengers will see a positive difference as the interior will be much lighter and airy with a modern feel. And, with the improved station concourse and modern facilities there’ll be excellent amenities for staff and customers alike.”

Further improvements will be made throughout the scheme – including the main work to enlarge the concourse, refurbishment of toilets on platforms 4 and 5 and provision of the new customer information point – all taking place in the new year alongside the installation of automatic ticket gates to improve security and revenue protection.

Network Rail Route Director Richard Lungmuss said: “The improvements being made at Peterborough will give passengers what they want – a safer, brighter and more spacious station providing an improved environment for everyone travelling by train.

“Britain relies on train travel and the planned new facilities are a great example of how the rail industry is collaborating to bring our stations into the 21st century, encouraging great use of the network.”

All three phases are scheduled to be finished by early summer 2012, during which time train services for the near five million passengers using the station each year, will be unaffected by the work.

East Coast will also be giving local stakeholders and the general public the opportunity to discuss the proposed plans at the Great Northern Hotel on Monday 10 October from 4pm.