The multi-million-pound redevelopment of Newbury station is now complete with three business growth units offering new employment opportunities for the town.
The Engine Shed Business Growth Units will help support Newbury’s economic development and form part of a wider transformation of the station which has included new customer facilities, new ticket gates, a multi-storey car park, cycle hubs and improved pedestrian access.
Great Western Railway has worked closely with West Berkshire Council (WBC), Berkshire LEP, Network Rail and Grainger Plc to provide an enhanced customer experience.
Work to transform the station started in 2018 with the installation of a footbridge with lifts, two new cycle hubs adding 300 cycle spaces, and forecourt works.
Completion of station building work on the north side followed, with seven new ticket gates – five in the ticketing area and two for crowd relief – an open-plan ticket area, enlarged waiting room, café and toilets.
The south side station building has also been enlarged to enable relocation of staff offices, while a new, enlarged canopy with a heritage look has been provided to house seven new ticket gates and a ticket vending machine, giving customers and staff better shielding from adverse weather.
Along with the completion of The Engine Shed Business Growth Units, a new forecourt layout has led to improved pedestrian and bus access.
These major works have been delivered alongside and in conjunction with Newbury’s first build-to-rent development, Weavers Yard, owned and managed by Grainger PLC, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord.
Grainger PLC also delivered a new 160-space multi-storey public car park with electric car charging points; a new access road; and a new pedestrian access to the town centre.
Some minor works, including car park resurfacing and cleaning of forecourt canopies and external station building walls, will now commence to compliment the finalised scheme.
Newbury MP, Laura Farris, said: “Newbury Station is a commuter hub for many in West Berkshire and it is very welcome that the significant improvements, such as the multi-storey car park and improved pedestrian access route are now complete. This will significantly improve the passenger experience. The addition of the new business growth units are exactly what is needed for the local economy. I am so pleased to see the completion of this project.”
GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “Newbury station is a key gateway to the town and it has been a privilege to work with our partners to deliver these transformational changes, which are so important to the local economy and communities we serve.”
Councillor Billy Drummond, Vice Chairman of West Berkshire Council, said: “The joint investment and vision for the Market Street development demonstrates the confidence we all have in Newbury’s vibrant economy. The redevelopment has pleasantly enhanced the area with new amenities, improved access to Newbury town centre and new housing.
“This visionary initiative has played a pivotal role in the Newbury Vision 2026, and we look forward to welcoming more residents, businesses and visitors to Newbury.”
Berkshire LEP Chief Executive, Alison Webster, said: “Berkshire LEP is delighted to see the completion of the Newbury Station redevelopment project. As a strategic partner the LEP has invested £6.7 million of government Local Growth Fund towards the total project costs of £19 million.
“We know that the improvements already provide an improved passenger experience and will encourage further sustainable access to the station as well as support local businesses and provide employment opportunities through the new business growth units.”
Network Rail Thames Valley Industry Programme Director, Jo Grew, said: “The programme of works at Newbury station is now complete, the changes have transformed the station and the surrounding area and benefit both passengers and the local community. Newbury station is testament to what can be achieved when partners work together with a common goal and our thanks go to all those involved in the work over a number of years.”
Mike Keaveney, Director of Land and Development at Grainger plc, said: “This is a great example of public private partnerships working well to deliver new housing and infrastructure. In addition to the delivery of 232 high-quality new rental homes, many of which are now occupied, we are pleased that the additional elements delivered – including the new car park and pedestrian access route – will bring wider benefits to the local community.”
For more information about letting the business growth units, please visit tpt.amey.co.uk/properties/south-east/newbury-station/
