Simon Burns MP, the Minister of State for Transport, joined train and station operator East Coast to officially open Peterborough’s new-look station. The Ministerial visit marked the completion of a £3.3 million project to improve the station as a key gateway to the city. The improvements, which have delivered better passenger facilities and a smart new look for passengers, are also aimed at supporting Peterborough’s ambitions for growth.

Improvements to the station include:

• A redesigned station frontage, including a bold and innovative station canopy and much enhanced lighting, to create a safe and welcoming gateway to the station
• A bigger and brighter station concourse with much improved accessibility for all passengers, including those with specific mobility issues
• Much improved access to train service information and assistance, via a combination of new electronic information screens offering clearer and more reliable displays, and easier customer access to station staff able to offer
  help with specific queries
• Additional and better quality seating in the concourse and the wider station
• A safer and more secure environment, supported by improved CCTV systems
An automatic ticket gateline, including wide aisle gates for customers with mobility issues and those with heavy luggage, to improve passenger safety and combat fare evasion.

Funding for a £3.31 million package of improvements was secured jointly by East Coast and Network Rail, supported via a £1.7 million grant from the Government’s National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP). East Coast itself contributed £1.31 million, with the remaining £0.3 million secured by Peterborough City Council from the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund

Investment at Peterborough station is continuing through a further project by Network Rail to increase capacity at the station. This will include extra and longer platforms, as well as new footbridges and lifts. Work has begun and the project is due to be completed by December 2013.

Rail Minister Simon Burns MP toured the new station facilities today and viewed the current works to construct new platforms. He also unveiled a plaque to officially open the new station concourse. The Minister was joined by East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell; Leader of Peterborough City Council Coun. Marco Cereste; Deputy Mayor of Peterborough Coun. June Stokes;, Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson; and representatives from Network Rail.

Simon Burns MP, Minister of State for Transport, said: “With a bigger and brighter concourse, automated ticket machines and enhanced CCTV coverage, the journeys of the 4 million passengers who use Peterborough Station have just got better. We are currently engaged in a massive rail modernisation programme and upgrading stations, making them more pleasant and convenient places for passengers across the country.

“Especially important are the changes to make stations more accessible through funding from the Government’s ‘Access for All’ programme, enabling more and more people to travel by train. A great many people contributed to the new look Peterborough station and I am very grateful for all their efforts.”

East Coast Managing Director Karen Boswell said: “We are delighted to celebrate the completion of improvements at Peterborough station. The station has an important role as a gateway to the city, as well as an important interchange between East Coast and other rail services across the East of England. It now offers excellent facilities for passengers.

“The improvements at Peterborough are the product of a partnership between East Coast and several organisations. We want to thank all of the partners who helped deliver this project and hope it will support the economic growth of Peterborough.”

Network Rail Route Managing Director Phil Verster said:  “Rail is vital for Peterborough given its position as a strategic transport hub. The investment we are making will significantly improve the railway and will provide the extra capacity needed to cater for the forecast growth in passenger numbers.

“When we’re finished the station will have extra platforms to increase capacity and reduce congestion, easier access thanks to new lifts and longer platforms ready for new, longer trains.”

Peterborough City Council Leader, Councillor Marco Cereste, said: “It’s vital that when people arrive in Peterborough they have a good first impression and the new look station certainly delivers on that.

“This investment from East Coast and Network Rail means we have a station to be proud of and I’ve had lots of comments from passengers about how much of an improvement it has made to their journeys.

“With future expansion work to increase capacity set to be completed late next year this project is crucial to realising our ambitions to create a bigger, better Peterborough.”