Railtrack plc

North West a winner in Railtrack's Regeneration Programme
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date 20 May 1997
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

Railtrack, "the heart of the railways", is pumping new life into the North West Network, investing over £130 million in the region’s stations.

On the first anniversary of its privatisation, the railway custodian has embarked on a nationwide £1 billion regeneration programme, set to include all of its 2,596 stations over a five year period.

Speaking today at a special launch at London’s Paddington Station, Railtrack Chairman Sir Robert Horton unveiled the plans which will help to provide Britain with a world beating railway network.

"The regeneration Programme forms a major part of our 10 year investment strategy and is designed to radically improve the quality of stations and enhance customer’s rail experience.

"By the year 2001, it is Railtrack’s intention to have carried out work at almost all of our stations throughout the country in an exercise that will make them fit for the 21st century" said Sir Robert.

Focusing on physical building work, the regeneration will embrace complete roof renewals and reglazing, repairs and improvements to buildings, station facilities, passenger information systems, footbridges and platforms, also providing better utilisation of space.

And in the North West Zone, Director Chris Leah helped set the wheels in motion with a series of special launches at Bebington, Chester and Manchester Piccadilly, which is set for a £20 million facelift.

Said Mr Leah: "Railtrack’s entry into the private sector was a major turning point for Britain’s Railways. This regeneration scheme is just part of a wider programme which will serve to not only maintain the network but also help to improve train performance times."

Of the 395 stations in the North West zone, 14 are undergoing refurbishments in excess of £1 million during the first year of the programme, with major projects including Manchester Oxford Road, Preston, Wrexham General, Chester and Blackburn.

Added Chris Leah: "Railtrack is committed to playing a pivotal role in building a modern, safe and efficient railway network and 10 years from now, Britain will have a railway that is second to none, both in the quality of its infrastructure and the dependability of its train service.

"When you think that nationally we own over 32,000 kilometres of track, 40,000 bridges, tunnels, viaducts and level crossings, not to mention the stations themselves, our regeneration programme on stations represents a significant investment and will go a long way to helping us achieve our goals.

Railhub Archive ::: 1997-05-20 RTK-005