The Southeastern and Network Rail Alliance have announced the successful completion of a £2.6 million stations improvement programme, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to enhancing the customer experience across South-East London, East Sussex and Kent.
This extensive programme that began in 2023 encompassed upgrades across more than 20 stations. The work delivered better facilities, improved accessibility, upgraded waiting areas, and refreshed station environments, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for the thousands of passengers who use these stations each year.
The projects included:
- Battle and Margate - restoration work in the historic Victorian-era booking halls, as well as the Margate station café.
- Eltham - three platform waiting rooms have been completely enclosed from the elements with glazed panelling and automatic sliding doors for accessible entry.
- Maze Hill - refurbished the ticket office in the modern station building, which first opened in 1972.
- Orpington – installed a new women’s toilet facility for comfort on the busy London-bound platform two.
There was also work to support Access for All schemes at Southeastern stations, including upgrading the accessible toilets at Bexley and Herne Bay, adding step-free waiting rooms and universal toilets at Petts Wood, as well refurbishing the access ramp leading to platform one at Canterbury East. A new accessible toilet was also installed at Hither Green station.
The funding package covered design work for a series of further enhancements that the Alliance is looking to complete in future at several stations, including Beckenham Junction, Catford Bridge and New Cross in London, as well as Canterbury West and Faversham in Kent.
David Wornham, Southeastern’s Passenger Services Director said:
“We’re thrilled to see the completion of this £2.6m package of station improvements as it underlines our commitment to delivering better journeys for our customers.”
“These upgrades will make a real difference to passengers, whether it’s easier accessibility, modernised facilities, or simply a more pleasant station environment. We know how important these enhancements are to the communities we serve, and we’re proud to work in alliance with Network Rail to deliver a better experience for everyone who travels with us."
David Davidson, Network Rail’s Kent Route Director said:
“The Southeastern Network Rail Alliance is making a real difference by working together on these essential upgrades to stations across our network in Kent, East Sussex and south east London.
“This investment is on top of the £2 million of station improvements that the Alliance is now delivering at over 100 Southeastern stations across the network – amounting to £4.6m in total over a two-year period.”
Photo credit: iStock
