Lilian Greenwood MP joined teams from Network Rail, East Midlands Railway (EMR), and Friends of Beeston Station to officially open the new facilities at Beeston station yesterday (Thursday 6 March).
The installation of new lifts, staircases, and a walkway makes the station, which is operated by EMR, easier to use for passengers – especially those who are wheelchair users, have limited mobility, or are travelling with luggage, bicycles, or pushchairs.
The work was carried out by Network Rail through funding from the Department for Transport’s Access for All fund.
Making stations accessible to everyone benefits the economy by reducing car travel, which also lowers traffic and cuts carbon emissions.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, said:
“These new lifts will make a tangible difference for passengers, ensuring step-free access between the station entrance and platforms.
“We’re clear in our ambitions for our transport network to be accessible so people can travel easily, confidently, and with dignity, so it’s great to see how our Access for All programme is making change.”
Mark Budden, Network Rail Route Director, added:
“We’re delighted that this much-anticipated scheme is now complete and being used by passengers. We’re committed to making our railway as welcoming and accessible as possible, encouraging even more people to choose the railway for their sustainable travel journeys.
“Improving the convenience and accessibility of our stations is really at the heart of this. I want to thank the local community for their patience while we carried out these important upgrades.”
Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said:
“These new lifts and facilities will be transformational for Beeston customers – allowing anyone, no matter their circumstances, to access the station and catch services across the country.
“We would like to thank Network Rail and all the partners who have worked on this project, and we look forward to hearing from our customers and staff about the crucial difference it will make.”
Juliet Campbell, MP for Broxtowe, said:
“The new lifts are such a positive addition for Beeston station and will make a huge difference for everyone, particularly for those with mobility issues, families with pushchairs, and for those carrying cases. Thank you to Network Rail, and to the Friends of Beeston Station who have worked tirelessly over the last seven years to make Beeston station accessible and inclusive.”
Trish Roberts-Thomson, Chair of Friends of Beeston Station, said:
“We’re delighted with the lifts at the station and would like to thank the Access for All programme at the Department for Transport for this means of making our station accessible. The commitment from Network Rail for improving access has been amazing. People who struggle with stairs in any way can now get to the platforms. We owe a lot to Network Rail and the Access for All programme.”
Work on the new car park continues at the station. CCTV will be installed later this month, enabling the new spaces to open.
