DCLG announces regeneration of railway stations and land

Communities secretary Gregg Clark has announced a significant programme involving the development of railway stations and surrounding land which is set to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs, in addition to boosting local growth.

A new agreement between Network Rail and the Homes and Communities Agency will see the groups working with local councils to develop England’s railways stations for housing and business. The initiative is predicted to deliver up to 10,000 new properties on sites around stations. The government has asked to hear from at least 20 local authorities which are interested in taking part in the scheme.

So far, York, Taunton and Swindon have stepped forward with proposals to spearhead the new initiative, and have identified railway sites that could be combined to deliver housing and other locally-led regenerations.

Commenting on the move, Clark said: “We’re determined to fire up communities and back local business so they build much needed housing and create thousands of jobs. Rail stations are a hub of communities, connectivity and commerce and should be making the most of their unique potential to attract investment and opportunities.”

“With record numbers of people travelling by train, it makes sense to bring people closer to stations and develop sites that have space for thousands of new homes and offices.”

“This new initiative will bring about a step change in development and ensure we go further and faster in putting these rail sites to good use.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are delivering the biggest programme of rail improvements since the Victorian age and have seen the transformation of stations such as Birmingham New Street, Manchester Victoria and London Kings Cross.

“As a one nation government we are determined to ensure further opportunities are grasped to put stations at the heart of wider community regeneration. This will help deliver thousands of new homes and jobs and deliver a substantial return to the taxpayer.

“I’m pleased to see that exciting visions for regeneration at Swindon, Taunton and York are being developed, with the potential for hundreds of additional homes and new businesses. I look forward to seeing how Network Rail and the Homes and Communities Agency’s excellent work on these projects develop.”