Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway is marking a decade since its railway station opened.

In its first ten years, the station has been used by more than seven hundred thousands passengers, despite the dramatic fall in travel during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Warwickshire Council Council designed and built the station, in order to improve access to the town and to interchange with other modes of transport. It also aimed to alleviate road traffic congestion by providing a Park and Ride with over seven hundred car parking spaces and easy access to the A46. It formed part of the Stratford-upon-Avon Sustainable Transport Project.

The station opened on 19 May 2013, seven months ahead of schedule, and also cost less than its budget. The Council attributes this in part to the support of consultancy firm SLC Rail in securing funding, tendering for contractors, and managing the project.

The Council believes that the station has had a positive impact on the region’s transportation infrastructure and will continue to do so in future.

The station is now managed by West Midlands Railway and provides train services to Kidderminster, Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways also runs services at the station to Leamington Spa.

The Friends of the Shakespeare Line promote travel to and from Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway and the station is supported by its own station adoption group.

Ian Walters, Managing Director of SLC Rail, said, “Warwickshire County Council has opened five new stations in 18 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving connectivity through rail. With excellent train services and transportation links, we anticipate Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway’s continued success in the next 10 years.”

Jan Matecki, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, said:  “Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station is a shining example of our commitment to sustainable transport and ensuring that residents and visitors are supported through excellent transport infrastructure. We look forward to working with our partners to continue to enhance the station’s services and facilities for the benefit of the community.”

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director, said: “Since opening a decade ago we have seen consistent growth in passengers using Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station which is testament to the convenience of the facility both for people travelling towards Birmingham and into Stratford itself.

“In the past year we have seen passengers returning in healthy numbers following the pandemic and I am confident this trend will continue as the popularity of rail travel continues to endure.”