Station makeover arrives six months late

by David Skentelbery
THE £500,000 makeover now arriving at Warrington’s Central Station is running six months late.
When the project was unveiled in October last year, it was stated work would start in January and would take three months to complete.
Work is now due to start this week – and is expected to take five months to complete.
A spokeswoman for First TransPennine Express, who are carrying out the work in partnership with Warrington Borough Council and Network Rail, said:
“Originally, it was planned that the works would begin in January, but this was put on hold due to the car park improvements taking place next to the station.
“The start date was altered as we believe it was vital that the station renovation caused the least disruption as possible to our passengers.
“Originally, the project was planned to take three months to complete. However, upon further investigation and due to the large scale of the project, the improvements will now take five months to complete.”
A new modern entrance, canopy and illuminated signs will transform the outside of the station building, which dates from around 1873 – only 44 years after Stephenson’s Rocket won the legendary Rainhill Trials which preceded the opening of the Liverpool-Manchester line.
The ticket hall will be completely revamped and the existing shop expanded. Access for passengers will be improved with new steps and a disabled access ramp.
Decorative lighting to be fitted under the railway bridge will make the area more welcoming for passengers and passers-by.
The scheme is being developed by station operator, First TransPennine Express in partnership with Warrington Borough Council and Network Rail.
The improvements are being funded by contributions from the National Stations Improvement Programme, Network Rail, First TransPennine Express, Warrington Borough council and Golden Square Shopping Centre
Coun Alan Litton, the council’s executive member for environment and transport at the council said: “I am sure these improvements will provide a positive first impression for commuters and for visitors coming into Warrington and will encourage greater use of public transport.”
Station manager Paul Jackson said: “The completion of this project will make the station more accessible and easier to use. The new entrance will make the station more welcoming and I am sure that customers will really appreciate the changes.”
David Allinson, general manager of Golden Square, added: “This upgrade of Central Station will help to greatly improve accessibility to the town centre and offer an even better experience for shoppers travelling to Warrington.”
The station will remain open while the work goes on and the train operator will seek to minimise any disruption to passengers with a temporary ticket office and additional staff to help sell tickets at peak times.
Pictured: artist’s impressions of the new station exterior.