On Thursday (19th Nov 2010), the city council will debate a motion being proposed by Lib Dem councillors Jeremy Hilton and Sebastian Field calling for the upgrade of Gloucester Railway Station to start on-site in the first quarter of 2021.
Earlier this year it was reported that the £4.3 million upgrade had been topped up by a further £1.7 million. Taking the total allocated to this project to £6 million.
The project will involve a major upgrade of the underpass running from Bruton Way to Great Western Road. The Lib Dems want this to be the number one priority.
Lib Dem leader, Cllr. Jeremy Hilton said: “We have been waiting ages for the railway station improvement project to start. Now it is fully funded and the partners have set up a project board, they must get on with it. We want to see construction workers on site in the first quarter of next year. The underpass upgrade must be the first priority. It’s a grotty underpass, with steep steps and feels unsafe to walk through. We have been waiting years for it to be upgraded. Let’s make 2021 the year the construction begins.”
The railway station project will also deliver a more attractive station facade, that will have its own bus stop and new exit onto Metz Way.
There will be 10 electrical vehicle charging spaces, more cycle racks, solar panels and a new canopy at the front of the station for travellers waiting to be picked up.
Cllr. Sebastian Field added: “Lib Dems want to encourage greater use of public transport. We have a new bus station and we need an upgraded railway station to complement it. We must make sure that our public transport facilities are fit for the 21st Century.”
Lib Dem deputy leader, Cllr. Declan Wilson concluded: “Travellers by train deserve better, this project should give Gloucester a railway station to be proud of.”