Worcestershire County Council has announced detailed plans to replace Kidderminster station with new facilities twice the size of the existing 1960s building, together with safety and accessibility enhancements in the immediate area.
With rail advice and project management from SLC Rail, the scheme has won the backing of the rail industry and funding of £4.3 million has been secured from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Kidderminster station is the second busiest in Worcestershire, with direct connections to London, Birmingham and Worcester. The current station building and its limited facilities are a source of dissatisfaction for many, as passenger numbers have doubled over the last decade and substantial further growth is predicted.
The proposed station development centres around a new, glass-fronted building. It will include a new café or shop, toilets and indoor seating and waiting areas. There are also plans to enhance accessibility while making significant improvements to nearby bus facilities, creating a new pedestrian crossing and safer provision for taxis and vehicles in front of the station.
The scheme is being led by Worcestershire County Council with support from Wyre Forest District Council, SLC Rail, Network Rail, London Midland, Chiltern Railways, the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Railway Museum and local bus operators.
