London Gatwick and Network Rail to invest GBP53m for new station

UK's London Gatwick Airport and Network Rail announced (13-Oct-2010) they have agreed to jointly fund a GBP53 million upgrade to the airport's train station, to complement the airport's GBP1 billion investment programme to modernise the airport's facilities. Network Rail will contribute GBP44.9 million to the scheme, while Gatwick will contribute GBP7.9 million. The project includes:

• A new platform to address the existing bottleneck in the Gatwick area for services on the Brighton mainline;
• Improved passenger circulation on platforms 5 and 6 through the replacement of an existing stairway with an escalator and the installation of a new lift;
• Refurbishment of the concourse area to provide better facilities for passengers and improved circulation;
• Upgrade of the track and signalling to improve performance and reliability of trains passing through and travelling to/from the airport.

Work to finalise the design of the scheme will start immediately with the relocation of the substation due to commence in summer 2011. Major construction work is not scheduled to start on site until autumn 2012, after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. UK Transport Minister Theresa Villiers welcomed the plans. [more]