Network Rail is inviting the public to have their say on new proposals to upgrade the railway station at Reigate.

The new ideas include a new platform that would be able to accommodate 12-carriage trains terminating at the station, and then turning back towards London.

The aim of this is to provide more capacity and a more reliable service and improved connections, potentially with Thameslink trains to London Bridge and beyond.

Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway will be hosting several events in the area to give people the chance to have their say on the plans at Reigate and other local stations including Earlswood, Salfords and Horley.

Events will be held on the following dates:

• Monday 24 February, 6-9 pm, St Mary’s Reigate, 13 Chart Ln Reigate, RH2 7BW
• Tuesday 25 February, 4-8 pm, Three Central (The Sturgeon Room), 3 London Road Redhill, RH1 1LY
• Wednesday 26 February, 4-8 pm, Reigate Community Centre (room F3), 53 High Street Reigate Surrey, RH2 9AE
• Thursday 27 February, 4-8 pm, Reigate Community Centre (room F3), 53 High Street Reigate Surrey, RH2 9AE
• Friday 28 February, 4-8 pm, Day Space Reigate, 57 Albert Road North Reigate, RH2 9EF
• Saturday 29 February, 11 am-3 pm, St Mark’s church, Alma Road Reigate, RH2 0DA

From 24 February to 6 April, people can have their say online via the Network Rail website: www.networkrail.co.uk/reigate

The proposed upgrade would see work carried out to extend and widen Platform 2, and lay track to create a new platform to accommodate trains on the Brighton Main Line from London, allowing them to turn back at Reigate to create more capacity for more trains.

The longer platform would also let Thameslink use trains up to 12 carriages long to stop at the station for the first train – this would reduce journey times as there would be no need for trains to stop and split at Redhill.

The new platform would be built in the area occupied by the station car park. The car park would be relocated to provide an opportunity for a new and improved car park and new access roads.

What did the officials say?

John Halsall, managing director, Network Rail Southern region, said:

“A new platform at Reigate would not only allow longer trains to stop at the station for the first time, but could also create the potential for direct connections to London Bridge, and help to speed up services across the region. Many of the benefits of these plans will primarily be enjoyed by Reigate and the surrounding areas, but by creating a dedicated ‘turn-back’ platform we can also create space for more services to run on the Brighton Main Line.”

Cllr Richard Biggs, Executive Member for Planning Policy at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, said:

“I would encourage everyone to have a look at the consultation information to see what this proposal means for you. If you live around Reigate Station, catch the train to or from Reigate, or use other local stations – like Merstham, Earlswood, Salfords or Horley – it could affect you. This is a great opportunity to get involved and let Network Rail know what you think.”

Crispin Blunt, Member of Parliament for Reigate, added:

“Passenger use has grown relentlessly at Reigate Station and I am pleased that Network Rail has responded with this consultation on a detailed proposal for a much needed and long awaited improvement plan which will add vital capacity and enable Reigate passengers to travel directly to London Bridge”

Keith Jipps, GTR’s infrastructure director, said:

“We welcome these proposals, which would greatly improve train capacity, reliability and travel opportunities for our passengers at Reigate. I encourage anyone who uses the station to come along to one of our public events, study the plans and let us know what you think.”