Work is underway to enhance Alton station forecourt and create a more welcoming, attractive and accessible gateway to the town, with easier and safer access for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Significant improvements to the well-used parking and drop-off area at Station Road in Alton, are being delivered by East Hampshire District Council in partnership with Hampshire County Council, South Western Railway and Network Rail.
The jointly funded £1.3M scheme, taking place this summer/autumn, will bring about better onward travel options with new drop-off and waiting bays for cars and taxis, step-free access to bus interchange, new bus stop and shelter, cycle parking/storage and improved signage for pedestrians and cyclists.
The transformation comes thanks to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, part of developer contributions, South Western Railway’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) and Hampshire County Council market towns funding, as well as S106 developer contributions from both Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council.
Construction company Walker Construction started work in August and expects to complete the project by March 2023.
The project has been designed by Havant Borough Council’s Civil Engineering & Landscape Team (CELT) who have worked with the project partners to obtain design approvals.
Cllr Rob Mocatta, EHDC’s portfolio holder for Climate Change and placemaking, said:
"This is a milestone for one of our key place making projects. The improvements at Alton station forecourt will deliver a more welcoming gateway into Alton, support active travel and make the area more attractive to local businesses and visitors.
"Alton station is on an extremely popular train route and is well used by commuters, visitors, and local residents. I am pleased to see this transformation work underway – Once completed it will improve access for all users, whether on foot, in a wheelchair or with a buggy, by car and of course cyclists."
Councillor Edward Heron, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Environment Strategy, said:
“This is an excellent example of effective partnership working to deliver much needed improvements in the centre of Alton which will benefit residents and visitors alike.
“We are taking this opportunity to enhance the access to the train station, which we hope will encourage more people to travel to work or for leisure by train, as well as walk or cycle to the station. The improvements aim also to attract people from other parts of the county and country to take the train to visit Alton, home to Jane Austen’s House and gateway to the western part of the South Downs National Park.”
Peter Williams, South Western Railway’s Commercial Director, said:
“South Western Railway, through our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund, is delighted to be part of this ambitious project to make Alton station a more welcoming gateway to the town.
“We are committed to bringing stations and communities closer together and these improvements to the station forecourt will make onward travel easier and more accessible for people arriving in Alton by train.”
The transformation may cause some short-term inconvenience for passengers and users of the station forecourt area while contractors are on site, but disruption will be kept to a minimum. The overall longer-term gain means much needed improvements to the town, with increased amenity value and better access for all users.
Find out more at www.easthants.gov.uk/alton-place-making