Rail bosses have unveiled plans for major improvements to Shrewsbury’s railway station, breathing new life into one of the town’s main gateways.
Officials at Arriva Trains Wales, which owns the station, plan to create a new booking office, shop, and additional cycle facilities. They also want to refurbish the toilets and improve lighting and signs.
The improvements are expected to run into thousands of pounds and will be made as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme, funded by the Department for Transport. The project is in the early design stages and work will be carried out next year.
The news has been described as brilliant by railway enthusiasts who think the improvements will have a positive effect on the town.
The station has already benefited from a new £500,000 waiting room on platform three, complete with computerised information screens and disabled access. Work, which also included installing new seating, lighting, heating, and redecorating, was completed last year.
Mansel Williams, chairman of the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust, said: “It is brilliant that Arriva Trains Wales has recognised Shrewsbury station as in need of improvements.
“The station is a key interchange and is the gateway to the town. It is important that the people using it are well looked after, including tourists who will leave Shrewsbury with a good memory of the town’s facilities.”
A spokesperson for Arriva Trains Wales said: “We remain dedicated to improving the passenger journey experience and as such, has recently created a new waiting room on platform three at Shrewsbury station.
“Additional improvements have been scheduled for 2011 at the station, and we are currently working with our designers for a new booking office, retail unit, refurbishment of the toilets, additional cycle facilities and improved lighting and signage, all as part of the National Stations Improvement programme.”
By James Pugh