A NEW multi-storey car park at Newbury Station and the second of new two cycling hubs have now been opened, as the multi-million pound redevelopment of the station continues apace.
The new car park, built on the existing site, provides over 160 additional parking spaces with electric car charging points and improved walking routes between the station and town centre.
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The second of two new cycle hubs, which together provide 300 extra spaces and are fitted with CCTV for added security, environmentally-friendly motion sensor LED lighting and a bike repair stand, has also been opened.
GWR Business Development Director Tom Pierpoint said: “It’s exciting to have been able to reach this stage of the project meeting a long-held ambition of ours to better support our customers and the wider area in a more accessible and sustainable way.
“Newbury station is a key gateway to the town and this work with our partners will help secure the economic prosperity of the region as we seek to build back better from the pandemic.”
Wider plans for the station refurbishment include seven ticket gates on the north side and six on the south side, doubling throughput and bringing the ticket gates inside the station building with sales and waiting areas, and moving the station building closer to the recent installed lift bridge.
There will also be improvements to the public access, making walking and linking to buses easier along with new business growth units on the south side of the station.
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West Berkshire Council’s executive member for Economic Development, Ross Mackinnon, said: “This is brilliant news for Newbury and the surrounding area – the new units at the station will provide much-needed additional space for local business start-ups to expand and grow in a really sustainable location.
"I’m confident that this investment from our partners will support the local economy to get back on track and help us deliver our long-term strategic priority – helping businesses to start, develop and thrive in West Berkshire.”
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