Rail passengers in Flint can now enjoy seamless, step-free access between platforms, thanks to a £5.5 million accessibility upgrade that reflects the rail industry's commitment to inclusive travel and community connectivity.
The new lift installation was officially unveiled on Thursday 2 October by Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales. He was joined by representatives from Network Rail, Transport for Wales (TfW), Flintshire County Council, and local stakeholders to celebrate the completion of the project.
Delivered by AmcoGiffen and funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, the scheme goes far beyond the installation of lifts. It includes:
- New tactile paving and emergency refuge points on platforms
- Reconfigured car park layout to prioritise accessible spaces near drop-off zones
- Upgraded station lighting for improved safety and visibility
- Relocation of the iconic foot sculpture, a key marker for the National Cycle Network
This investment ensures that passengers with reduced mobility, those travelling with children, or carrying heavy luggage now have a fully accessible route between platforms 1 and 2. Crucially, it also completes a continuous stretch of step-free access along the North Wales Coast line, with every Avanti West Coast-served station between Holyhead and London now offering accessible interchange.
Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:
“Accessibility is fundamental to a modern railway. Step-free access benefits everyone and makes rail travel simpler and more inclusive. We’re proud to have delivered this transformation in partnership with the DfT, Welsh Government, TfW, AmcoGiffen and Flintshire County Council.”
Adrian Carrington, Head of Station Infrastructure at TfW, added:
“This upgrade removes a key barrier for passengers with reduced mobility and supports our wider ambition to create a truly inclusive transport network across Wales.”
Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates praised the collaborative effort:
“These improvements make rail travel easier for all and support our goal of encouraging greater use of public transport. We’re continuing to work with the UK Government to support Access for All schemes, including match-funding commitments at Shotton and Ruabon.”
Stephen Lloyd, Senior Projects Manager at AmcoGiffen, highlighted the delivery team's shared focus:
“We’re proud to have contributed to a programme that enhances passenger experience and supports long-term accessibility across the region.”
The Flint station upgrade follows a series of TfW-led improvements, including refurbished facilities, new customer information screens, and landscaping enhancements supported by £90,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust. A disused building has also been repurposed into two community rooms and a staff facility, aligning with TfW’s Social and Commercial Development Plan.
Image credit: Network Rail
