A programme of major improvements is being carried out to the railway station at Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

The station is the main gateway to the town centre, and among the enhancements are a newly landscaped garden area, a welcoming arch, wayfinding signage, and more seating.

The station is a vital transport hub for residents and businesses, and the improvements are designed to improve accessibility and navigation for travellers.

They supplement recent improvements at the station that extended the platforms, installed a fully accessible footbridge, provided a new toilet block with an accessible toilet and baby changing facility, and a waiting room with seats and a drinking fountain.

Funding for the project is from £73,200 that Harborough District Council has awarded to East Midlands Railway from its UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

Work currently underway is expected to be finished by 31 March 2025.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is intended to provide funds for communities across the UK Fund to improve pride in their local area by supporting local businesses, people, and skills.

It is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda with £2.6 billion of funding available for local investment by next March 2025.

Further information about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund can be viewed by clicking here.

Improvements to Market Harborough station are running concurrently with the project on the Midland Main Line to electrify the line between London and Sheffield.

Market Harborough is also one of 97 stations to benefit from a new free Wi-Fi service currently being rolled out across East Midlands Railway’s network.

“This initiative provides necessary improvements for Market Harborough town centre, and I am delighted that it’s moving forward. It’s important that the council continues to provide and maintain fit for purpose infrastructure that is for the benefit of our residents and visitors.”

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council