Network Rail has published plans to re-open passenger services on the Waterside Line in Hampshire, and this week is running consultation sessions where the public can comment on its plans.

The proposal is for services to run once more between Southampton Central and Marchwood, which closed to passengers in 1966. Thanks to funding from the Department for Transport‘s (DfT) Restoring Your Railway initiative, Marchwood station would be reopened and a brand-new station opened in Hythe.

The consultation period is set to end this Friday, 9th September, after four events have been held where residents can find out more about the proposals and submit their views. Network Rail will consider all feedback it receives and, together with other information such as a Final Business Case and Environmental Impact Assessment, it will make a recommendation to the DfT on whether to progress the project.

The first consultation was held last night, Monday, 5th September, at Marchwood Junior School.

Further consultations will be held:

• This evening, Tuesday, 6th September, between 16.00 and 20.00 at Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall.
• Thursday, 8th September, between 14.00 and 18.00 in the Plant Room at Totton and Eling Community Centre.
• Friday, 9th September, between 10.00 and 14.00 at The Jubilee Hall, Fawley.

Further information about the proposals can be found at networkrail.co.uk/watersideline.

Kate Neill-Sneller, Senior Sponsor at Network Rail, said:

“There has never been a better opportunity to restore passenger services on the Waterside Line, so we’re appealing to those who haven’t had their say to come forward, find out more about what we’re proposing, and crucially, have their say.

“We have four events this week and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to come and visit us, find out the details, ask questions, and give their thoughts. We’ve seen hundreds of people over the last month and gathered some invaluable feedback. Every bit of feedback, good or bad, will help us make our recommendation to the DfT next year.”

A fact finding train ran on the Fawley Branch back in 2020.