WORK on a £1m transformation of Weymouth rail station will kick off on Monday, November 22, it has been announced - with commuters told of alternative parking arrangements as the project progresses.
The first phase of the work will be a revamp of the station forecourt, in King Street.
The next stage of the development, to create a walkway and cycle path linking Jubilee and King Street - called pocket park - will commence in the New Year.
The Weymouth Gateway project promises to provide a more attractive and safer rail station environment bringing benefits to the community, businesses and all users of the station.
READ MORE: Major upgrade work on land surrounding Weymouth Train Station to start next month
Dorset Council's Ray Bryan for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: "I fully welcome this new design and support the proposals to deliver what the community wants.
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"Residents views have been taken on board during the development stages of this design and along with other improvements happening in Weymouth over the winter. This is an example of the community working together in partnership to deliver much needed development in this area."
The work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and allow the station to fully operate as normal.
The main infrastructure work and surfacing should be completed by the end of March 2022.
The council has said there will be alternative use of Network’s Rail additional car park opposite B&Q accessible via the Jubilee Retail Park, with diversions in place.
Drop off and pickup facilities will still be available and signposted during the construction phases, while taxi access will remain unaffected.
The rail station development was given the go ahead in early October, despite the proposals being criticised by some Weymouth councillors.
There are concerns the site will fail to meet the needs for an integrated transport exchange, with only one bus stop dedicated to the Wessex bus company.
Andrew Ardley, regional development manager at South Western Railway, said: " The new design has addressed the many challenges we face and will enhance the customer experience within the station environment.
"We have come a long way since the consultation and now have a design to improve the experience of all station users and welcome visitors to the town.
"The more integrated transport links should be beneficial to all, especially the new bus stops on the forecourt and King Street itself. It will complement the funding secured from Department of Transport and Dorset Council for improved cycle parking facilities at the station.
"I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape on the ground and working with partners to explore options for a next phase of improvements to the station building."
Updates will be given as the project progresses.
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