Plans for Thames Valley Station Revealed

It's hoped the improvements at Wokingham - due to be finished in two years time will encourage more people to travel by train.

The upgrade, which is being funded jointly by Wokingham Borough Council, South West Trains and through the government’s national stations improvement programme, includes:

* Demolition of the existing station building and the construction of a striking new structure fit for the 21^st Century

* A new concourse and ticket office which has been designed to make it easier for passengers to move around, particularly at the busiest times of the day

* Installation of better facilities within the building, including an accessible ticket windows, improved waiting areas, information screens and toilets

* More shops and cafes

* Better shelter on platforms for passengers during bad weather

* A new interchange for buses and taxis

* New secure cycle parking spaces

Richard O’Brien, Network Rail’s route managing director for Wessex, said: "As well as providing a safe, punctual and reliable train service we must give passengers a better journey experience. The upgrade of Wokingham station is a big step forward and will make a big difference for the community and businesses in the town who use the railway for thousands of journeys every day."

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for transport at Wokingham Borough Council, said: "This project demonstrates substantial investment by the borough council and the National Stations Improvement Programme and it will greatly improve Wokingham railway station. These improvements will encourage more passenger numbers through this key gateway to the town and will provide them with a much better travel experience. It also complements the planned Wokingham regeneration project by providing up to date railway facilities that the new town centre deserves."

Dave Josey, South West Trains station manager for Wokingham, said: “Two million passengers use Wokingham Station each year and we look forward to providing them with a more pleasant and modern new station building, with improved facilities and an easy to use drop off area."

"We hope the new look station will encourage even more people to start travelling by train."

The station will remain open to passengers throughout the construction with no disruption to the train services. The existing ticket office will remain in operation until the new one opens.

The work is expected to start in Spring 2012 and be completed by Spring 2013.