The next phase of the multi-million pound transformation of Nottingham station is about to get underway.  This phase, will see the station transformed into a world-class transport hub. Passengers who used the station from the 7 October will have noticed some changes as they came into effect.

The improvement works, which will take place over the next 18 months, will create a smarter, better, greener station that everyone in Nottingham can be proud of.  The plans include the creation of a brand new concourse and linking the new Queen’s Road multi-storey car park and tram stop.

These are the changes that took place Sunday 7 October:

Ticket office move – Nottingham station’s ticket office has been relocated into a temporary facility on Station Street (opposite the Capital One building) for the duration of the works. There is direct stair access to Platform 1 with all other platforms accessible from Platform 1 via stairs and lifts. Opening hours of the ticket office will be unchanged. During the works, passengers are advised to book their tickets in advance at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk wherever possible and collect them from one of the various ticket machines at the station.

Disabled access – Disabled access will continue to be via the front of the station, where there will be ticket machines for disabled passengers to collect and buy their train tickets. From the front of the station, there will be lift access to all platforms. Disabled passengers can also access the station from the multi-storey car park, via an accessible ramp to Platform 6. Passengers can continue to book their assisted travel as normal during the works by completing the online form at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk or calling 0845 712 5678 at least 24 hours prior to travel.

Access from the car park – All passengers using the station’s multi-storey car park can access Platform 6 via an accessible ramp. There is a ticket machine located on the ramp for passengers to easily buy and collect their tickets.

Ticket machines – Ticket machines are located near the temporary ticket office on Station Street, at the front of the station, on the access ramp from Platform 6 and on the Centre Bridge. Ticket collection machines are also available throughout the station, including in the First Class Lounge on Platform 6.

Taxis – the Porte Cochere closed to taxis as a pick up / drop-off point from Sunday 7 October. Taxis will rank adjacent to the new ticket office on Station Street and drop off / pick up facilities will be located on Queen Street. Buses will continue to serve Carrington Street, access to the Station Street tram stop will remain unchanged and cycling facilities will continue to be provided on Station Street.

Andy Moore, Head of Stations for East Midlands Trains, said: “This is a really exciting time for Nottingham, and once completed, everyone in the city will have a station that they can truly be proud of.

“We are doing everything possible to keep disruption to a minimum during these improvement works, however there will be some changes that will affect all passengers using the station over the coming months. We’ve got plenty of information available at the station about the changes and would urge anybody to check the information on display or visit our dedicated web page at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/nottingham so they can be aware what to expect when travelling from Nottingham in the future.”

Councillor Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation for Nottingham City Council, said: “The redevelopment of Nottingham Station will radically transform an ordinary railway facility into a fantastic modern European train station, which offers superb facilities for those visiting for business and leisure and for the citizens of Nottingham.
“The station will become a world-class transport hub, with excellent public transport links, including a brand new transport interchange being created over Nottingham Station to serve the NET tram system, which is itself currently benefiting from a £570 million extension to Clifton and Chilwell.

“Without the funding generated through the Workplace Parking Levy, the city would not be able to attract external funding to redevelop Nottingham Station or to extend the tram system, both of which businesses tell us are vital to theirs and the city’s future success in attracting growth, investment, and job creation.”

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s route managing director, said: “We are rebuilding the railway through Nottingham and creating a station for the people of the city to be proud of, with improved facilities and transport links. For us to complete the work on the station safely, while keeping the platforms open for business, we will need to cordon off certain parts of the building. We thank people in advance for bearing with us while the work continues and we know the result will be a better and brighter station for everyone.”

This major phase of works will be carried out by Taylor Woodrow and will be completed in early 2014. It will involve:

- Restoring Grade 2* listed buildings and creating an attractive vehicle-free Porte Cochere at the station.
- Improved passenger and operator facilities, including upgraded travel information, displays, improved toilets, ticket office, shops, cafes and waiting areas.
- A new concourse connecting trains, trams and the car park.
- Creating new retail space within the station.
- Improved public realm around the station.
- New and improved facilities for disabled people, cyclists and taxis.
- New energy efficient lighting systems.

Through the creation of a successful partnership between all the scheme’s partners, this programme has been reduced by around eight months.