​Thameslink to double size of station concourse at Elstree & Borehamwood

Links to this picture and others can be found at the bottom of this news release

The passenger concourse space at Elstree & Borehamwood station is to double in size as part of a £1.5m transformation scheme by Thameslink and the railway industry to ease commuter congestion and improve facilities.

Thameslink has just awarded a £1.5m contract to extend the station by spring next year using funds awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to Network Rail and the train company under the National Stations Improvements Programme. Work begins next month (October).

Passenger improvements include:

• A bigger concourse: twice as large
• More ticket gates to ease congestion: six instead of four
• Bigger male and female toilets and, for the first time, an accessible toilet
• Better ticket office: reconfigured to prevent queuing passengers from blocking passengers passing through
• Existing Nisa retail unit 50% larger and integrated with the station
• A new coffee shop, the full depth of the station, accessible from both the station and the platform
• Two entrances instead of one – wider when combined than the current opening
• Two exits to the platform instead of one
• A new glass and steel cycle hub: controlled access, providing secure parking for around 80 existing bike spaces (to follow after the station is completed)

Thameslink Passenger Services Director Stuart Cheshire said: “Over the years, Thameslink operators have made many improvements to Elstree & Borehamwood, including the new bus interchange, footbridge and lifts, and pavement stars and banners to help the community celebrate its screen heritage.

“This major redevelopment of the station itself, being carried out in collaboration with Network Rail and the DfT, will make a real difference: it will ease congestion and provide better facilities to the 3.2 million passengers passing through the station every year.”

Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council Cllr Brenda Batten who viewed the plans with Thameslink project managers, said: “Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Brenda Batten, said: “Elstree & Borehamwood train station is a busy gateway into the town, so I am delighted to see much needed investment being made into improving accessibility and facilities for travellers.

“These improvements, together with the celebration of the town’s film and television heritage through the First Impressions project, help to create a welcoming environment for visitors to the town.”

Bob Redman, Chair of First Impressions, said: “Eight years ago the ‘First Impressions’ alliance (Town, Borough and County Councils, Thameslink and Elstree Screen Heritage) was formed to make our public spaces more attractive and welcoming, using iconic film and TV images unique to our town.

“Over those years the railway station has become recognised as a key gateway to Elstree & Borehamwood. The proposed redevelopment will greatly improve that gateway, to the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

“It may even create new opportunities to display the iconic images for which the studios of Elstree & Borehamwood are known across the world.”

Work will begin in late October. For some of the time there will be a temporary ticket office. The stars and panels that celebrate the town’s screen heritage will be protected. Buses will be unaffected although some walking routes may change.

Ends

Editor’s notes

The contract to extend and improve the station has been awarded to HA Marks Construction Ltd