Station redevelopment project team meet passengers to report progress

Thameslink are inviting rail passengers to meet members of the St Albans City station redevelopment project team this Thursday 17 October between 4.00pm and 7.00pm to catch up with the latest progress on the £5.7 million programme.

The programme will double the station’s retail floorspace, and work will start soon on the two-storey retail extension. Removal of the existing retail unit roof is 50% complete, scaffolding has been installed, and safety barriers are being erected.

The AMT coffee cart continues to serve passengers in the booking hall while building work on the new waiting area and coffee shop progresses.

Cycle facilities have all been moved to Station Way to allow access for the development of the new station entrance building on Ridgmont Road. Over the next month, single-level cycle racks will be replaced with double-stacked racks to increase capacity.

The foundations of the Ridgmont Road entrance building have now been laid.

Changes to traffic flows have been introduced on the station forecourt this week, with diversion signs installed. Taxi drivers were contacted about these changes directly in advance.

The redevelopment will also provide more space for passengers on Platform 2/3, where the foundation for the new waiting shelter has been laid and the materials for the shelter are on site ready for installation. The shell of the new staff accommodation building on Platform 4 is now complete.

The expanded station will also have more ticket machines and gates to reduce queueing.

Thameslink Senior Project Manager Julie Boyle said: “I’m pleased to be able to assure our passengers that this major project is on track and answer any questions. We are looking forward to seeing the improvements and benefits being brought to passengers.”

A new edition of the project newsletter will be available at the event.

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