Construction has officially started on a long-awaited project to provide step-free access at Pokesdown station, marking a major milestone for passengers in Bournemouth and the wider South Coast rail network.
The scheme, being delivered by South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex, will see the installation of two modern passenger lifts, providing step-free access to both platforms for the first time in the station's history.
The £7.2 million project has been made possible through a combination of railway and government funding. SWR and Network Rail Wessex are contributing £4.6 million, with a further £2.6 million provided by the Department for Transport and UK Government as part of the transition towards Great British Railways (GBR).
Representatives from the rail industry, local government, community groups and campaign organisations gathered at the station on Friday, 16 October, to celebrate the start of construction.
The ceremonial groundbreaking was led by Tom Hayes MP, Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, alongside Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director of GBR South Western. The event featured a ceremonial spade engraved with the GBR logo, highlighting the railway's future operating model under public ownership.
The project has been welcomed by accessibility campaigners and local stakeholders who have pushed for improved access at the station for many years.
Once completed, the new lifts will significantly improve journeys for passengers with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, customers travelling with heavy luggage and anyone who benefits from step-free access.
Pokesdown station serves both local residents and the large number of visitors travelling to Bournemouth's beaches, leisure attractions and sporting events.
Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director of GBR South Western, said:
"Delivering step-free access to Pokesdown station will be transformative for residents and visitors here, with brand new, modern lifts to both platforms making journeys significantly easier.
"This major upgrade has been unlocked under public ownership thanks to the crucial contribution by the Government, enabling the project to go ahead, and the tireless campaigning by local people.
"Creating a suitably accessible and welcoming gateway to everything this area has to offer, achieved by a publicly owned railway in partnership with its local communities, is what the future Great British Railways is all about."
Tom Hayes MP, Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, said:
"With a £3m investment by the Labour government, two new lifts are being installed at Pokesdown station, with work beginning right now.
"It’s been a long time coming but this station will be accessible, and it shows that we achieve great things for our town when we stand together. It’s been my honour to represent people’s stories to the government and secure this funding.
"As the son of two disabled parents, it matters to me that everyone can travel with dignity. I also want the station’s fresher look to reflect the pride and spirit we all feel in Pokesdown."
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, Minister for Rail, said:
"It’s brilliant to see work begin on the new lifts at Pokesdown station, which will give local passengers the step-free access they’ve long called for, helping more people travel with independence and confidence.
"With this Government’s support, South Western Railway and Network Rail are working together to get this important project moving, which is exactly the kind of joined-up approach we’re building through Great British Railways."
While the lift installation is the centrepiece of the project, SWR and Network Rail are also working with AFC Bournemouth on a wider programme of customer improvements.
Completed enhancements include:
- Deep cleaning of the station façade and booking hall.
- A new interactive customer information totem.
- Real-time bus departure information screens.
Further works planned include:
- Additional entrance and access doors.
- Widened access to the station footbridge.
- Potential rail travel promotions for AFC Bournemouth supporters travelling to matches by train.
The station will remain open and operational throughout construction, with work expected to continue until early 2028.
For the rail industry, the project represents another significant investment in accessibility and demonstrates the continuing focus on creating a more inclusive railway as Great British Railways takes shape.
Image credits: Network Rail
