23.08.16
Network Rail holds discussions about new station at Norwich
Norwich could get a second railway station after Broadland District Council and Network Rail confirmed they are considering the option of improving rail connections to a local business park.
Broadland District Council said it was interested in building a new station close to Broadland Business Park, on the outskirts of the city, after a study found a strong case for the project.
If permission is granted for the station, it will almost certainly be operated by Abellio, whose contract to operate the East Anglia franchise was renewed this month.
A Broadland District Council spokesperson said: “Any improvements to the Bittern Line, including the new station, would not only provide better transport links to workers, but would add to the prestige of the Broadland Business Park for jobs growth as a more desirable location for businesses.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We have had very early discussions with the council about the possibility of a new station at Broadland Business Park. Any new station would need to be agreed with the train operator and the Department for Transport.”
The study also made a case for increasing Bittern Line services between Norwich and North Walsham from every hour to 30 minutes.
The council said it would conduct further research and seek business partners for building the station. It will also form a Bittern Line Improvements Project Board in the autumn.
(Image of Waterside Café at Broadland Business Park c. .Martin from Flickr, under a Creative Commons licence)
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