Work on a £2.8 million project to Boston railway station in Lincolnshire has started today, Tuesday, 28 November.

The work is being carried out by the principal contractor Taziker Industrial Ltd., and is being managed by East Midlands Railway (EMR). Funding for the project has come from the Government‘s Town Deal Fund through Boston Town Deal, The Railway Heritage Trust, Network Rail and East Midlands Railway.

In Phase 1, some spaces in the station that are currently unused and vacant will be made ready for conversion into a community Café and two small business start-up offices e in further phases of work next year.

Boston railway station will remain fully operational throughout the work and will be open as normal for all customers who wish to travel.

Further information about the project can be found online from the QR code above or at at www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/town-deal.

Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway said: “We’re delighted the investment at Boston Railway Station is about to begin. 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 first phase of the development will see the community café and start up offices take shape. These changes will transform Boston Station as the gateway to the town, encouraging integration with the surrounding community and offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors.”

Neil Kempster, Chair of Boston Town Deal said: “It is fantastic to see work starting at Boston Railway Station, with these transformational improvements set to benefit both local people and visitors to the town.

“The railway station is a key gateway into Boston and the refurbishment that is now beginning will create a better experience and welcome for people arriving into the town.

“And, a really important and significant element of the work is the development of community facilities, with the role of the station within the town set to be enhanced as a result of this investment.”

Tim Hedley – Jones, Executive Director of Rail Heritage Trust said: “The Railway Heritage Trust is pleased to support this project to restore Boston Railway Station which was built by the Great Northern Railway and opened in 1850. It is a testament to the builders and the quality of their work that it still serves to welcome visitors to the town of Boston. This work will ensure that it will continue to do so into the future.”

Rob Goulding, Station and Depot Surveyor for Network Rail added: “We know how important stations are for the communities they serve and as the first impression that visitors receive. It’s fantastic to see work starting on Boston station and we look forward to seeing the new facilities being used by passengers.”