The vital next stage of the process to reopen Charfield Station, was this afternoon approved by the West Of England Combined Authority Committee.
Charfield’s local MP Luke Hall has welcomed this approval, as work now continues to deliver the project and finally bring railway services back to the village.
As part of WECA’s investment fund for regional projects, it was today confirmed that the Strategic Outline Business Case for Charfield Station has been given the green light, allowing this project to begin the next, all important phase. This will include eventual Network Rail construction, confirming the location of the new station, and establishing new facilities to support the station’s reopening.
A key part of Luke Hall’s Positive Plan for Transport, the project focuses on the delivery of a new railway station serving Charfield and the surrounding towns and villages. The station is intended to comprise of two platforms, a pedestrian footbridge, and a small waiting area with shelters and seating on each platform.
The station would serve existing and future families living in Charfield and the surrounding towns and villages, and enhance the connection to key locations including Bristol City Centre, Bath, Yate and Gloucester. The reopening of the railway will also shorten journey times and also help to resolve capacity issues and overcrowding on other services.
Luke said, “This is the latest step towards reopening Charfield Station, and I am immensely grateful to Mayor Tim Bowles and South Gloucestershire Council, in helping to deliver this project”
“As we Build Back Better from the coronavirus pandemic, investing in our local infrastructure and public transport will be key, and I am delighted that WECA have approved plans for the reopening of the station, so we can get on and look to start construction as quickly as possible.”
Celebrating the approval, WECA Mayor Tim Bowles added, “Giving the green light to the Charfield station business case puts it firmly on the MetroWest map and brings sustainable travel one step closer to the 14,500 who live within 5km of Charfield. Getting to this next stage demonstrates our commitment to getting the region moving, and providing the sort of railway network we need in the West of England.”
Cllr Steve Reade, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “We are pleased that the business case for Charfield Station has been approved thanks to the support of local MP Luke Hall and Regional Mayor Tim Bowles and are looking forward to progressing our vision to further improve and expand rail services across South Gloucestershire.”
