11.04.18
NR takes over Guildford and Clapham Junction stations to aid redevelopment
Network Rail has taken over Guildford and Clapham Junction stations in order to support the major upgrades planned for both structures as part of its wide-reaching Railway Upgrade Plan.
Guildford station has had a £150m redevelopment approved by the planning inspectorate, and Network Rail also hopes to increase train capacity with a new platform and track works.
Options are being developed for Clapham Junction to relieve congestion in the short term, as well as investigating the feasibility of a more significant station redevelopment in the longer term.
Jason Bridges, chief operating officer for Network Rail’s West route, said: “This is an important milestone in our work to give passengers a railway service fit for the 21st century as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.
“We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at South Western Railway and other train operating companies so that passengers will continue to experience the same day-to-day operation of both these stations.”
Managing director of Network Rail Property, David Biggs, explained that managing both stations will deliver significant benefits to the railway, station users and surrounding communities.
“Our previous work across our managed station portfolio has helped deliver a range of important projects, including the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street, King’s Cross and London Bridge stations,” he added.
“These projects improve customer experiences, create jobs and support economic growth while opening up underdeveloped land for housing and commercial development.”
Although Network Rail has taken over the stations, South Western Railway will retain most day-to-day responsibilities for running them, and staff roles will not be directly affected. Network Rail is responsible for maintenance and renewal work at the stations and all commercial activities, excluding ticket sales.
The transfer was included in the invitation to tender for the South Western franchise because the potential work would be on such a scale that it may extend beyond the life of the current franchise, which runs from 2017 to 2024.
Top image: N Chadwick, Creative Commons
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.