Latest Rail News

25.01.18

Guildford station gets approval for £150m regeneration work

Plans for regeneration at Guildford station have been given the go-ahead by the local planning inspectorate, meaning work on the long-awaited scheme is a step closer to beginning.

Initially put forward in 2014, the plan will involve a new updated station building, office space and 438 new homes in the surrounding area.

Network Rail is undertaking the work as part of a joint venture called Solum, which is a partnership with construction firm Kier.

Around £25m of the total £150m funding will be spent on station improvements, with plans in place to provide a larger ticket hall anticipated to accommodate passenger growth until 2035.

The funding for the station itself will be generated from money made through other sections of the development, including the extra homes and nearly 2,000 sqm of office space.

Network Rail’s managing director for property, David Biggs, said the plans were reflective of increased population growth and increased urbanisation which had forced organisations to be more created with station spaces.

“We at Network Rail are extremely pleased that the planning approval of this fantastic scheme has been achieved,” he commented.

“It will deliver significant benefits to station users and the local community, by releasing land for much needed housing, attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and providing a significantly improved station.

“This development is yet another example of Network Rail partnering with the private sector to unlock land for mixed-use development, while generating funds to reinvest back into the railway.”

The scheme has gone through significant change since its introduction four years ago when it became the seventh of the £500m Solum’s regeneration plans.

Responding to the planning decision, Solum spokesperson Alan Jones, said: “We are very pleased that this exciting brownfield regeneration project has been given the green light. This is a scheme that will transform the area around Guildford Station and provide a new gateway to the town.”

He confirmed that the project had been affected by local opposition during the planning period, but thanked all the residents in the area who had given their support.

Top image: Solum

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Comments

Jude   25/01/2018 at 19:05

I like old Guildford. Whats wrong w/ it

Andrew Gwilt   26/01/2018 at 01:27

Just like what is happening to Coventry station as it’s to be upgraded aswell. Along with extra platforms to be built. I think Guildford station is due for a upgrade and that will have new ticket hall, concourse, revamped platforms with stairs and lifts etc as trains do serve and pass through Guildford. And possibly new bay platforms to be built for suburban trains terminating at Guildford and heading back to London Waterloo. As well SWR are ordering new trains to replace the Class 455’s & Class 456’s on the suburban routes.

Neil H   26/01/2018 at 12:41

What's wrong with it? Not enough ticket gates is a good starting point. Passenger numbers are growing at most stations and this is true at Guildford. The retail opportunity for income (and to provide facilities for passengers) is a no brainer especially in the concourse area. Having said that it is a tidy booking hall area currently and like no other.

Ticket To Ryde   26/01/2018 at 15:23

Hey Jude, Don't make it bad. Take a sad station and make it better

B Leeding-Obvious   27/01/2018 at 10:50

“..as trains do serve and pass through Guildford”. Yes, Andrew, as they do at pretty much every station on the network. Ffs, as you might say.

Andrew Gwilt   29/01/2018 at 00:50

B Leeding-Obvious. I take that as I've bored you. But I dont care.

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