An agreement between Network Rail and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) could lead to more than 10,000 new homes being built on land around stations across the country.
Swindon, Taunton and York stations will be the first stations to undergo the development, in a scheme announced by Communities Secretary Greg Clark on April 10.
Under the agreement, NR and the HCA will work with local councils, and the Government wants to hear from at least 20 local authorities about its plans. NR must satisfy the Office of Rail and Road that the land being released for redevelopment is no longer needed for railway purposes.
It is hoped that lessons learned at Birmingham New Street, London King’s Cross and Manchester Victoria regarding the use of ‘rail estate’ can also be used in plans to develop stations.
“Rail stations are a hub of communities, connectivity and commerce, and should be making the most of their unique potential to attract investment and opportunities,” said Clark.
“With record numbers of people travelling by train, it makes sense to bring people closer to stations and develop sites that have space for thousands of new homes and offices.”
- For more on this, read RAIL 799, published on April 27.
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Andrewjgwilt1989 - 15/04/2016 02:34
More houses and apartments to be built close to the railway stations or near to the railway stations in towns and cities with more passengers using trains.
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Raymond Parry - 15/04/2016 15:14
I seem to remember that the 1960s New Street Station had a multistorey block of flats above it as well as the former shopping centre and car park. so much for progress!
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J.beale - 25/04/2016 20:36
The problem that will gain it's ugly head here, is that the new owners will complain about the constant noise & seek orders from the local council, thus turning this housing shortage into a farce.
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