East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, has confirmed that construction work is officially back underway at Skegness station, marking a major step forward in the £3.3 million redevelopment programme. The project aims to modernise the station, restore historic buildings, and enhance community facilities — strengthening Skegness’s position as a key gateway town on the East Coast.
Delivered in partnership with Network Rail and new contractor Gelder Group, the scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Towns Fund via Connected Coast, with additional investment from EMR and Network Rail. Gelder Group, a Lincolnshire‑based specialist in heritage restoration and high‑quality refurbishment projects, brings extensive experience to the project.
A Comprehensive Station Upgrade
The redevelopment includes:
- Full refurbishment of the main station building
- Restoration of the remaining sections of the historic Red Star Building
- Roof repairs, repointing, new double‑glazed windows
- Upgraded mechanical and electrical systems, including modern fire and security installations
Once completed, customers will benefit from new waiting areas, accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, and parent-and-baby amenities. The project will also introduce a new community café, flexible bookable community space, and two new retail units designed to boost local business activity and improve the passenger experience.
Additional upgrades include a new cycle shelter and infrastructure to support pop‑up and seasonal retail, encouraging sustainable travel and enhancing Skegness’s appeal to visitors.
In the coming weeks, the existing station building will temporarily close as operations move into newly refurbished parts of the Red Star Building.
Stakeholders Welcome the Progress
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Services Director at East Midlands Railway, said:
“The resumption of construction at Skegness station is a significant milestone and reflects our shared commitment, alongside Network Rail and Gelder Group, to delivering a station that better serves both customers and the local community.
These works will transform the station into a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant gateway to the town, with modern facilities and new community and retail spaces. We are pleased to see progress moving forward again and look forward to customers and residents benefiting from these important improvements.”
Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, added:
“It is great to see the works getting underway once again.
The Connected Coast Board is pleased to continue to support this project through the Towns Fund because not only will it bring improved community facilities for local people, it will also create a better welcome and first impression for visitors.
This is an important refurbishment of a vital gateway into the town, revitalising the existing space and bringing back into use the historic Red Star building.”
Steve Gelder MBE FCG, Chief Executive Officer of Gelder Group, commented:
“We are proud to be delivering the next phase of the regeneration at Skegness station in partnership with East Midlands Railway and Network Rail. As a Lincolnshire-based contractor, this project is particularly meaningful to us as it invests directly in the infrastructure and communities we serve.
The refurbishment of the station and the restoration of the historic Red Star Building will not only enhance the customer experience but also create valuable community and commercial space that will benefit Skegness for many years to come.
Our team has significant experience in heritage restoration and complex refurbishment projects, and we are committed to delivering a high-quality finish that respects the building’s character while providing modern, accessible facilities.”
Image credits: EMR
