Yesterday was the grand opening of the Weymouth Railway Station’s new forecourt.
The event celebrated the station’s forecourt and path (pocket park) improvements and Weymouth railway heritage information panels.
The redevelopment cost £1 million with the majority of the works completed by September 2022.
The event started with a speech from the Chairman of Dorset Council Val Pothecary who attended in lieu of Councillor Ray Bryan who had been involved in the project but was unable to make the event.
Cllr Val Pothecary said: “I am really impressed. It is a very fitting entrance to the station and from a visitor's experience, the first impression is worthy of a smashing town.
“It is important a town presents itself well. People arriving here now will have their expectations of Weymouth met.”
Few members of the public chose to attend, but most of those present were from representatives from organisations that had hands in creating the forecourt such as WeAreWeymouth, South Western Railway and Dorset Council.
Residents in attendance think that the forecourt is a good addition to the community, and importantly makes people feels safer.
Weymouth resident Emily Allen said: “I think it's great. One-million pounds doesn’t go as far as you would think. It is important to look at the small changes that have a big impact on the community.
“Time will tell if it was worth it but anything that makes our area safer is great.”
Anna Williams, from Weymouth, is a frequent commuter, she said: “I like the idea of having markets out front, and it does look safer.
“I love the planting and trees. Lots of positive things for the future. From a community point of view, it has a lot of potentials. I think it is worth it.”
MP for South Dorset Richard Drax also attended. He said: “We have campaigned a long time for this refurbishment and I'm delighted and grateful to all those who made it come about.
“The station for many is the gateway to the most beautiful coastal town on the south coast, and it needs to reflect that.”
The multi-agency, partnership-led and funded project was coordinated by Dorset Coast Forum in consultation with the Project Steering Group.
In addition to improving the forecourt, it also added a secure cycle storage, a dedicated taxi rank a new bus interchange with direct links to Portland and the Jurassic Coast, with real-time rail, bus and local information screens and more.
READ MORE: "Missed opportunity" - opinions split on £1million train station redevelopment
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