22.02.08
Transformation of Stalybridge train station begins
Work has started on a £675,000 project to transform Stalybridge train station’s ticket office and waiting area.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) and train operator First TransPennine Express are jointly funding the improvements, as part of a £1.5 million overhaul of the station which began last year.
Passengers will soon benefit from a new glass-fronted waiting area, with seating and customer information screens giving train departure information.
Pedestrian access is also being improved, along with the taxi pick-up area and disabled parking.
Councillor Alan Whitehead, GMPTA spokesperson for Tameside, visited the station to see the work at first hand: “It’s great to see work underway at the station. The level of investment in this project reflects Stalybridge’s status as one of the most popular stations in Greater Manchester.
“I’m delighted that passengers will be able to use first rate facilities and, hopefully, the improvements will encourage even more people to make their journey by train.”
Edith Rodgers, Customer Services Director of First TransPennine Express, said: “It is fantastic to see the start of a project that will make a difference to the travel experience of so many people.
“We are working with GMPTA and other parties to upgrade the general environment and facilities and to improve access to this well-used station.”
A temporary ticket office will operate in the car park during the work, which should be completed by late summer.
The work follows on from last year’s station improvements, when the platforms were raised to help make it safer and easier for people to get on and off trains. Improvements were also made to the toilets, information services and shelters on the westbound platform.
There was more good news for the station earlier this month when the Department for Transport announced that the station will be one of 40 to benefit from major funding under the ‘Access for All’ programme.
The scheme is designed to provide step-free access from station entrances to platforms, as well as improved lighting, hearing induction loops and passenger information screens.
Network Rail will carry out studies at each of the 40 stations over the next 18 months to decide what changes need to be made.
More than 13,500 passengers use Stalybridge each week, making it one of the most popular stations in Greater Manchester.
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