Passengers at Selby station will benefit from major accessibility improvements, as preparations are made to install brand-new lifts and strengthen the Grade II listed footbridge.
Installation of the accessible lifts, as well as work to improve the bridge is set to be completed by June 2023.
These crucial enhancements will be welcomed by passengers with limited mobility – as well as those with bicycles, pushchairs or heavy luggage – allowing for easier journeys to destinations such as Leeds, Doncaster, York and Hull.
Currently, passengers requiring assistance can only access platforms 2 and 3 via a barrow crossing over the tracks when station staff are available.
The scheme, which is being delivered as part of the Government’s Access for All initiative, launched last week when a compound was constructed at the site.
The main part of the work will begin in the coming weeks and will bring a much more modern station to the Yorkshire town, in line with the station’s growth in passenger numbers over recent years.
Whilst this Access for All scheme is the first stage of work at Selby, the Transforming Cities Fund will deliver a package of improvements to the station and the surrounding area, with work due to begin towards the end of the year.
Richard Owens, Infrastructure Director for Network Rail’s North and East Route, said: “Step-free access is vital for the future of our railway, and I hope it encourages more people to travel by train. I know that heritage is central to Selby station, so I’m pleased that we’ll be strengthening the Grade II listed footbridge as part of the project.”
Nigel Adams, Member of Parliament for Selby and Ainsty, said: “I am delighted that the essential preparatory work to provide lifts at Selby Station has been completed and building work will commence shortly.
“Having supported the application for funding to upgrade Selby station from the outset, I am delighted that construction will now begin. The upgrade will be done sensitively and will incorporate the iconic footbridge. Selby station is one of the 73 stations that received funding in 2019 as part of the Access for All Programme.”
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that work to install brand new lifts as well as strengthening the existing footbridge at Selby station will soon begin.
“These changes will make a real difference to those using the railway, ensuring the station is inclusive for all our customers.
“I want to thank those using the station for their patience and understanding while this important work is carried out.”
Cllr David Buckle, Selby District Council’s Lead Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development, said: “Public transport is vital to our communities and improving access for everyone is a welcome development.
“This work comes ahead of the planned Selby Gateway scheme, which will see further improvements for rail and bus passengers, in addition to anyone using public spaces in that area.”
Terry French, Secretary for Selby and District Rail Users Group, said: “The Group is delighted with the news that its long-standing campaign to have lifts installed at Selby Station will soon come to fruition.
“This is a major boost for the town – step-free access will only encourage people to use the train and be much easier and safer for everyone who needs to use the lifts.”