IMPROVEMENTS to Leamington railway station, which were completed ahead of last summer’s Commonwealth Games, have been highly commended at a regional transport awards ceremony.
The work at the Old Warwick Road station was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Small Projects category of the West Midlands Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Awards.
The near £2million scheme was completed as the town prepared to welcome thousands of visitors for the Commonwealth Games, which saw Leamington host the bowls competitions and neighbouring Warwick the road cycling races.
The enhancements included a major refurbishment of the station entrance and forecourt, making it easier for train users to start and complete their journey on foot, cycle or by bus and taxi.
Other improvements at the station forecourt and underpass included enlarged public spaces and new seating areas, resurfacing of the car park, dedicated bus bays and widened access to bus stops on Old Warwick Road, new signage, improved lighting, new CCTV and installation of new artwork in the pedestrian underpass.
The scheme was a joint initiative, with Warwickshire County Council overseeing the project with the support of Warwick District Council, Atkins, Network Rail and Chiltern Railways.
The improvements were made possible with a combination of funding from WDC, WCC and the Government’s Local Growth Fund from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
WDC chief executive Chris Elliott said: “It is great to see the hard work of our project team and partners has been recognised at the West Midlands Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Awards for the Leamington Spa Station Improvement Project. The improvements leave a legacy from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games for visitors, residents, and commuters for many years to come.”
WCC leader Coun Izzi Seccombe said: “The improvements to Leamington station certainly helped to give an excellent first impression to visitors from across the Commonwealth arriving for last summer’s Games in the region. It will have contributed greatly to a very positive impression of Warwickshire for both domestic and international visitors.”
