Construction on the transformation of the Weymouth train station’s forecourt (Weymouth Station Gateway) is set to start on Monday 22 November. The Pocket Park element of the scheme will start early in the New Year.
The work promises to provide a more welcoming, attractive and safer environment bringing benefits to the local community, businesses and all users of the station. The transformation work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and allow the station to fully operate as normal.
The main infrastructure work and surfacing should be completed by the end of March 2022 when landscaping and planting will be added. Updates will be available for everyone through a weekly blog which people can follow on Weymouth Station Gateway Improvement Scheme | Dorset Coast Have Your Say as the work progresses.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“This is great news; I fully welcome this new design and support the proposals to deliver what the community wants. Residents’ views have been taken on board during the development stages of this design and along with other improvements happening in Weymouth over the winter, this is a great example of the community working together in partnership to deliver much needed development in this area.”
For those wishing to park at the station while commuting, there will be alternative use of Network’s Rail additional car park opposite B&Q accessible via the Jubilee Retail Park. Signage and diversions will be in place. Please note there is direct access to platform 1 on the station from this car park. Disabled car parking is also available at this location. Drop off and pickup facilities will still be available and signposted during the construction phases. Taxi access will remain unaffected.
Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager at South Western Railway, added:
“We have been working towards construction for some time and now to finally realise this is welcome news. The new design has addressed the many challenges we face and will enhance the customer experience within the station environment. We have come a long way since the consultation and now have a design to improve the experience of all station users and welcome visitors to the town.
“The more integrated transport links should be beneficial to all, especially the new bus stops on the forecourt and King Street itself. It will complement the funding secured from Department of Transport and Dorset Council for improved cycle parking facilities at the station. I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape on the ground and working with partners to explore options for a next phase of improvements to the station building.”
Follow the progression and weekly updates at www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/weymouth-gateway
Why nothing about Dorchester South’s transformation? Also that Network Rail have very kindly showered one million pounds to improve access (unless you are disabled and arrive on Platform 2 or elderly or a parent with a buggy or a customer with luggage) you still have 27 steps up and down and a bridge to cross if you want the town centre. Or you can leave via the exit on platform 2 which will abandon you miles from anywhere.
I still think this is a missed opportunity. Demolition of the bus station and the dreadful housing on King Street would have allowed a far more ambitious and future proof transport hub to be put in place, mimicking that built in Bath. The train station is just touching up and in the round is a waste of money.
One thing that may come of it is the use of the under-utilised car park owned by Network Rail. This should be available 24-7 as a public car park; it could undercut the crazy price increases introduced by Cllr Bryan and support both the rail network and provide long stay parking for those who work and live in the town centre. More imagination needed please.
Thanks Martin, I will pass these comments on. Kirstie
hope they have a little shop for snacks drinks newspapers etc . Hopefully a decent toilet as well. and some comfortable seats , not that awful freezing metal . Thank you.
hope they have a little shop for snacks drinks newspapers etc . Hopefully a decent toilet as well. and some comfortable seats , not that awful freezing metal . Thank you. I have never posted these comments before! !!
These are things that we’re in discussion with Railway colleagues about and is an ambition of the project. Thanks, Kirstie
Sorely needed. Can’t come soon enough.
Now, if only it was possible to get the train to Dorchester for an evening out AND get home again …
Never mind prettying up the station! Let’s start with having a reliable, frequent train service which we don’t have, and haven’t had, for years.
Thanks for your comments, I’ll pass them to our colleagues at Southern Railway. Kirstie.
I thought that this scheme was imposed on Weymouth station and that the local coucil here voted against it. So how it can be called a co-operative community project is a mystery.
The only things wrong with Weymouth station are:
the toilets are filthy if they’re open,and need a cleaner and an alarm button for users who fear drug addicts etc;
the approach is littered with cigarette ends and filthy railings, and sometimes blocked by smokers passing the time of day on the steps;
the beautiful borders round the trees which were set up for 2012, are neglected, overgrown and littered with scraps of paper & plastic and dogends;
the bus stops for onward journeys are not there; after the transformation, one of the buses will stop there (?) but most will still be on the esplanade.
So the ‘improvements’ are, out of proportion marginal, and it is a huge waste of money all round.
The station needs to be staffed properly.
Hello Lynne, Thanks for your comment. WTC did object to the planning application after previously having no objection, but their reservations were fully mitigated. There is no doubt this is a community project with extensive public and stakeholder engagement. The minority of town councillors who objected do not represent the views of the vast majority of people that responded to the consultation. In terms of your list of things you feel are wrong with the station, we have taken note and will pass these observations to the steering group. Thanks again for your message. Kirstie.