Lib Dems call for early start to the upgrading of Gloucester Railway Station

Calls have been made for the £6 million project to upgrade Gloucester railway station to begin early next year.

On November 19, the city council will debate a motion proposed by Lib Dem councillors Jeremy Hilton and Sebastian Field calling for the work to start in the first quarter of 2021.

The project will involve a major upgrade of the underpass running from Bruton Way to Great Western Road.

Councillor Hilton, the Lib Dem group leader, said the number one priority should be the upgrade of the underpass.

"We have been waiting ages for the railway station improvement project to start," he said.

"Now it is fully funded and the partners have set up a project board, they must get on with it. We want to see construction workers on site in the first quarter of next year.

"The underpass upgrade must be the first priority. It's a grotty underpass, with steep steps and feels unsafe to walk through.

"We have been waiting years for it to be upgraded. Let's make 2021 the year the construction begins."

The railway station project will also deliver a more attractive station facade, that will have its own bus stop and new exit onto Metz Way.

There will be 10 electrical vehicle charging spaces, more cycle racks, solar panels and a new canopy at the front of the station for travellers waiting to be picked up.

Councillor Field, who represents Podsmead, said: "Lib Dems want to encourage greater use of public transport.

"We have a new bus station and we need an upgraded railway station to complement it. We must make sure that our public transport facilities are fit for the 21st Century."

Lib Dem deputy leader Councillor Declan Wilson added: "Travellers by train deserve better, this project should give Gloucester a railway station to be proud of."

- The motion:

This council welcomes the gathering of £6 million of public funds to carry out major refurbishment of Gloucester Railway Station.

This council agrees that the proposed changes at the railway station will enhance the rail passenger experience and along with our new bus station give Gloucester a first class public transport hub fit for the 21st Century.

This council agrees that Gloucester has waited a long time for the railway station upgrade with the proposals for the underpass upgrade being on the cards since the early noughties.

This council agrees that the long awaited upgrade of the underpass from Great Western Road to Bruton Way must be the first priority for construction and completion.

This council agrees that the project team should ensure that construction work is started in the first quarter of 2021.