Full steam ahead on works to revamp Kidderminster station

Significant progress has been made on the redevelopment of Kidderminster station, since work started earlier this year. 

So far, work has focussed on the forecourt at the front of the station, which is currently fenced off. Once this stage of the redevelopment is complete, it will revert to being used as a passenger drop off area and taxi rank. The area will also host temporary ticket office facilities until the works on the new station building are complete.

Richard Brooks, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, said: “The new station will not only improve the experience for existing rail passengers at Kidderminster, but will also provide a real boost for the local economy. The finished project will create a more welcoming gateway for those visiting the Severn Valley Railway or travelling to and from the local area. There has been significant progress at the station over the past few months, and we want to thank our passengers for their patience during this work.”

Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, Councillor Ken Pollock said: "There has been a lot happening at the Kidderminster Station site since work started on the scheme in the New Year. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress continue over the coming months. I appreciate there is much change whilst these improvements are taking place but I'm positive that the new station building, when complete, will be worth the short term disruption."

Later this spring, the next phase of the scheme will see the temporary ticket office and public toilets constructed. Once this is complete, work will then start on the demolition of the existing station building and foundations for the new station will start to be laid in the Summer.

On completion of the main station buildings' construction, it will go through the standard rigorous rail industry process to bring it into service for public and officially opened.

The project is primarily funded jointly by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, who have both invested £2.5m and £2.4m of Government’s Growth Deal Funds respectively, with small capital contributions from Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: ‘We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and whole of the UK and building a Britain fit for the future. Improving transport links for people and businesses is at the heart of our ambition so it’s great to see £4.9 million from the Local Growth Fund invested to create a 21st century gateway to Kidderminster and Worcestershire for the growing number of passengers using the station.”

Councillor Chris Rogers, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning said: “The re-development of the Railway Station is an important element of our ReWyre transformation programme for Kidderminster. The transport theme of ReWyre is all about creating a highly accessible town and enhancing accessibility within the district and connections to the wider region. This vision is fast becoming a reality with the station work now visibly progressing to provide an attractive station for residents, visitors, workers and investors to be proud of.”

To keep up to date with progress on the project, please visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/kidderminsterstation

ENDS