Network Rail has launched a significant engineering endeavour at Beeston Station in Nottinghamshire as part of the ‘Access for All‘ initiative. This multi-million-pound project aims to establish step-free accessibility between Platforms 1 and 2, enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

The project involves installing two new lifts at the station. Additionally, the existing set of steps on Platform 1 will be replaced with a new set integrated into the Station Road / Meadow Road flyover, which passes over the station.

This work is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2024. During the construction period, a well-marked diversion will be in place to facilitate passenger movement across the railway line.

The Friends of Beeston Station expressed their enthusiasm on their Facebook page upon witnessing Network Rail and their contractors setting up their site, acknowledging that reaching this point has been a long journey.

Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: “This project is vital in improving the experience of passengers as they travel by train, and it’s great to see work beginning at Beeston.

“Engineers will be working to install two new lifts, providing unobstructed step-free access to all passengers for the first time in the station’s history.

“We’ll make sure that disruption to passengers is minimal as we complete the work and look forward to delivering a station which better serves the local community towards the end of this year.”

Darren Henry, MP for Broxborne, added: “’One of the first campaigns I launched when being elected as the Member of Parliament for Broxtowe was to secure ‘Access for All’ funding for Beeston Station. I am delighted this project is finally going to begin. Beeston Station is a huge asset to the community and is kept immaculate all year around by the tireless work of the Friends of Beeston Station. These lifts will benefit a wide range of people and I cannot wait to see them opened in due course.”

Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for EMR said: “We’re delighted the ‘Access for All’ scheme at Beeston railway station has started. This investment means Beeston customers will benefit from two new lifts and a new staircase allowing for easier journeys across the East Midlands.

“Working together in partnership with Network Rail, we’ll continue to do everything we can to ensure we keep disruption to a minimum.

“A signposted alternative route will be in place whilst the staircase on platform 2 is replaced. We are advising our customers to allow plenty of time to walk between the platforms, as this will add approx. 7 minutes on to their journey and we would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

“Once complete, Beeston railway station will be accessible and safer for our customers for the future”.