East Midlands Railway has revealed that £2.8 million will be invested into the project with funding from the Government’s Town Deal Fund via the Boston Town Deal, The Railway Heritage Trust and the rail operator itself.

The improvements set to be made at Boston station will bring significant improvements for customers whilst integrating with the community. The rail operator is working with Boston  Town Deal, Boston Town Council, The Railway Heritage Trust and Network Rail and will eventually see:

• Brand new community cafe
• Bookable community space
• Improvements made to toilet facilities
• 2 x new start-up offices
• Customer waiting facilities

The project will also see external improvements made with better wayfinding and accessibility planned throughout the station including mechanical and electrical enhancements, upgraded heating, ventilation, IT and security which will create a more sustainable and up-to-date facility for customers using the station.

The project was given the go-ahead in 2022 by the government and comes as part of the Boston Town Deal programme. The plans also work alongside the Levelling Up funding and the development of Rosegarth Square in order to repurpose and revitalise the area between the River Witham and the bus station.

2019 Saw the Town Deal Fund announced with Boston securing a huge £21.9m in Town Deal funding during 2021. East Midlands Railway has been in consultation with Boston Town Deal, Boston Borough Council, The Railway Heritage Trust, Sustrans and The Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service and Accessibility Panels in order to make sure that the vision for the station has been created by the local community.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for EMR, said: “We’re delighted the investment at Boston Railway Station has been approved and we’re excited to work alongside the Town Deal and Boston Borough Council, The Railway Heritage Trust and Network Rail to significantly improve the facilities for our customers.

“The development will transform Boston Station as the gateway to the town, by encouraging integration with the surrounding community and offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors.”

Neil Kempster, Chair of Boston Town Deal said: “The refurbishment of Boston Railway Station will have a significant impact for the town for both local people and visitors to Boston.

“Enhancing this key transport link into the town was seen as an important strategic aim for the Town Deal which will have a positive impact on the town centre.

“With these improvements, the station will offer a better experience for everyone, whether making a journey or making use of the community facilities on offer.

“This project will enhance the railway station’s role and will bring increased footfall into the station. We look forward to seeing the work progress.”

Cllr Paul Skinner, Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “Having a welcoming and inviting railway station is important to our residents who use the station, as well as shoppers and visitors to the town. For many visitors, their first impression of Boston starts when they arrive at the station, so it is vitally important they have a good experience.

“I’m absolutely delighted that by working with partners through the Boston Town Deal that East Midlands Railway is able to make these investments which will benefit the town.”

Robert Goulding, Station & Depot Portfolio Surveyor for Network Rail said: “Delivering a better station for rail passengers in Boston will make a huge difference for the community and visitors to the town.

“Working with expert partners, this investment will not only provide comfortable, modern facilities to wait for a train, but it’ll also allow local people to connect in dedicated spaces. I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation get underway.”