Govia Thameslink Railway has announced that Burgess Hill Station now has a renovated waiting area for passengers.

Served by both Sothern and Thameslink, Burgess Hill station was selected as one of over 250 stations to receive upgrades and improvements, under a multi-million-pound scheme driven by GTR.

Working in partnership with Network Rail and consulting with the public who use the station and it’s facilities, an effective development plan was created.

Early on in the planning stage Station Manager Paddy Hawksworth and Project Manager Max Kenna discussed potentially utilising spare space in “The Old Salt Barn”.

A building constructed in 1841 for housing large amounts of salt, modern needs see only small amounts of salt held at any time.

With limited space on platform 1, the most suitable plan was to develop this historic building. Following new windows, glazed doors, preserving current wooden barn doors and other work, passengers at the station now have a heated waiting room, with a capacity of 15 to 20 (once COVID-19 restrictions are eased).

Other unique touches include the tongue-and-groove panelling in Southern Railways 1920s-style heritage green.

Southern’s Customer Services Director Chris Fowler said: “We’re making our stations more attractive, comfortable and efficient places to pass through, and more valuable assets for their local communities.

“Burgess Hill’s population is set to grow substantially in the coming years so we’re working with the local community and Network Rail to make sure the station offers current and future customers the pleasant travel experience they expect. This unique waiting room is a welcome boost.

“The station is an important and popular part of the town’s fabric, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to protect its historical appeal while adding facilities for customers. And it’s great to have created an opportunity to showcase talented local artists, with our partners at East Sussex College.”

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