Multimillion-pound Newbury station works bring business growth units

Published by

Daniel Face

Image: GWR

The £19 million redevelopment of Newbury station is now complete after six years of work.

With it come three new business growth units to support the town’s economic development and offer employment opportunities for locals.

The transformation has also brought new customer facilities including an open-plan ticket area, larger waiting room, café and toilets, as well as a multistorey car park, as well as cycle hubs and improved pedestrian access.

Both sides of the station have gained seven new ticket gates, while the south-side building has been enlarged to accommodate staff offices.

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Supporting Great Western Railway in delivery of the project were West Berkshire Council, Grainger plc, Network Rail and Berkshire LEP.

Alison Webster, chief executive of Berkshire LEP, said: “We’re delighted to see the completion of the Newbury Station redevelopment project.

“As a strategic partner, the LEP has invested £6.7 million of government Local Growth Fund towards the total project costs of £19 million.

“We know that the improvements already provide an improved passenger experience and will encourage further sustainable access to the station as well as support local businesses and provide employment opportunities through the new business growth units.”

The project was delivered alongside Newbury’s first build-to-rent development, Weaves Yard, owned and managed by Grainger plc.

Mike Keaveney, director of land and development at Grainger plc, added: “This is a great example of public private partnerships working well to deliver new housing and infrastructure.

“In addition to the delivery of 232 high quality new rental homes, many of which are now occupied, we’re pleased that the additional elements delivered – including the new car park and pedestrian access route – will bring wider benefits to the local community.”

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.