A £115,000 upgrade of Retford Railway Station is on track to smarten up one of the town’s most prominent landmarks, celebrate the surrounding area’s heritage and improve customer experience.
The upgrade project is expected to be completed in the coming weeks and features a revamp of the subway to Ordsall including new LED lighting, improvements to the steps, a new surface for the tunnel footpath, repainting of the walls and new decorative panels.
Other elements of the project include new station and town centre signposts, new ‘Welcome to Retford’ signs on the platforms and in the entrance hall, and new window displays and interpretation panels that focus on Retford’s Heritage and the destinations that can be reached from Retford Station.
The multi-partner project is being funded through a £90,000 grant from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council and supported by North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership (NNLCRP) and Retford Civic Society. In addition, funding of £25,000 has been provided by Nottinghamshire County Council to carry out the subway improvements.
Cllr David Pidwell, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “Over half a million journeys either start or finish at Retford and we are thrilled that LNER have made a substantial investment in order to improve both the look of the station and the visitor experience.”
“Visitors using the station to access the town and North Nottinghamshire will be given a sense of arrival. The improvements will also make the surrounding area safer and more appealing for local people.”
LNER’s Station Partnership Project Manager, Rachael Wilson said: “LNER is very pleased to be working with Bassetlaw District Council and other stakeholders to deliver these improvements, which we’re supporting through our Customer and Community Investment Fund. With this funding, we have been able to create a welcoming and interesting environment for customers and the local community.”
Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council which arranged the subway and footpath improvement works, said: “The public footpath is a very useful and popular link between Ordsall and Retford town centre.
“We are pleased to have played our part in providing safer and improved access at the station. It’s great to see all the partners working together and contributing with the aim of improving facilities for both local residents and visitors to the county.”
Local community groups including the North Notts & Lincs Community Rail Partnership (NNLCRP) and Retford Civic Society have worked closely with the District Council to develop the project.
Rick Brand, Chair of the Bassetlaw Area Group, NNLCRP, added: “Retford station is a major gateway, with a fast and convenient service from London. The improvements will be welcomed by both residents and visitors, especially those coming to Mayflower Pilgrims country as we approach the 400th anniversary next year. Further enhancements are also being planned for the future, which will increase the accessibility of the station.”
Derek Turner, Chairman of Retford Civic Society, added: “This is wonderful news for the people of the Retford area, Ordsall and visitors to North Notts. We are proud to have been part of this project which enhances our heritage Railway Station as well as providing a safer environment with the upgraded tunnel. These impressive improvements will be appreciated by the growing number of rail travellers and will contribute to our vibrant and expanding economy and community.”
