Improvements to be made at Sittingbourne station

Renovations include a new customer information screen and creating new waiting shelters on the platforms

Major work to improve Sittingbourne station is to start.

Long-lasting improvements will be made to access and facilities for more than two million passengers who pass through Sittingbourne station every year.

The biggest part of the project is the installation of two new lifts and a footbridge which will create a step-free route between the station entrance and platforms.

Funded through the Government’s Access for All programme, this will make it easier for everyone to use train services, especially those with reduced mobility, parents with young children or people with heavy luggage.

The work also includes a series of enhancements to station facilities which will improve the overall travelling experience for passengers.

These are being funded through the national stations improvement programme and include relocating and increasing the number of cycle parking spaces outside the station, renovating all passenger toilets and creating new waiting shelters on the platforms and a new waiting room on platform 2.

Repositioning the ticket gates to create more space for passengers in the ticket office and installing a new customer information screen and non-slip flooring in the ticket office.

The main construction work is due to be completed in spring 2012.

Dave Ward, Network Rail’s route director for Kent, said: "Improving access and facilities at stations is an important part of building a bigger and better railway."

"The enhancements planned at Sittingbourne will make it easier for everyone to travel by train and better meet the ever-changing needs of passengers and businesses."

Further information:
Rail.co