A TRANSPORT hub could be developed at Leamington Railway Station.
Warwickshire County Council is vying for a £1million investment from government to pump ‘much-needed’ funds into developing the station’s forecourt. It says the funding would support ambitions to expand the Old Warwick Road station into a ‘major railway hub’.
If the bid is successful it would see the creation of a bus interchange, spaces for parking 240 bikes, and improved pedestrian access.
The proposed project would also include a new taxi waiting area, car drop off, and the refurbishment of the underpass leading to Station Approach where new flats are currently being built, and where there used to be a bus station.
Additional funding of around £200,000 is being sought from Chiltern Railways to upgrade the station’s ticket office and improve cycle safety in the area.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western has welcomed the news.
He said: “The plans for a redevelopment of the forecourt is long overdue. There is a huge existing need for a better transport hub since the old bus station was knocked down, and I hope the various authorities will work to create a 21st century interchange for buses and electric bikes as well as for cars.
“It is particularly needed now with the massive growth in housing to the south of Warwick and Leamington, and the issues of displacement parking across south town.”
The county council says the project would also provide a better first impression of the town to visitors ahead of the Commonwealth Games bowls tournament which will be held in the town in 2022.
Members of the Green Party have been campaigning for a transport hub for several years.
Party spokeswoman Amy Evans told The Observer: “The forecourt area currently feels overcrowded and difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to access. These plans would be a real improvement.
“We’ve been working for some time for a joint approach to transport around the station and this shared bid is a real step forward.”
The council will find out if its bid has been successful later this month.
