The Canterbury Hub

Latest news from CCCU's Journalism course

Square

Both Canterbury rail stations are getting a make-over as part of a £4.4 million package

The aim of the £4.4 million package of station improvements announced by Southeastern and Network Rail is to improve customer information, improve the condition of station buildings, and increase accessibility for all train users.

The network in Kent and South East London will benefit from these improvements.

Prior to the completion of a significant Access for All (AfA) project that will make the station step-free, the existing accessible toilets at Bexley will be renovated.

Additional customer information displays will also be added throughout the station, the staircase leading to the lower parking lot is also being renovated.

Access ramps at Canterbury East will be upgraded, the platform 2 passenger information desk will be relocated to a spot that is better suited for the new footbridge, lifts, and night entrance.

Access to the waiting room will be made much easier for users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs thanks to new small ramps.

The work will also include customer information displays and an additional passenger information point.

 

New power-assisted doors will be installed at Chatham to improve access to the new lifts in the booking hall and an intercom system will be put in place on the side gates leading from the parking lot to call for help.

To enhance the ambiance of these areas – the booking hall and stairwells will be redecorated, with extra lighting added to the stairwells and around the arches on the platforms.

Herne Bay’s toilets will also be renovated with an improved accessible toilet, an additional customer information displays will be installed near the out-of-hours entrance near the new footbridge.

On platform 1 a new customer service point will be added.

Further work at Margate will include a booking hall overhaul and general cleaning,

Historic preservation will be ensured and enhanced staff housing to improve visibility for passengers.

This will include restoring the building’s exterior to its previous state as well as reopening a retail unit.

Eltham, platform waiting areas and shelters will be improved.

In Orpington, the ladies’ toilets will be refurbished and Beckenham Junction, where more space will be created in the booking hall and the waiting room and toilets will be refurbished are among the other stations undergoing design work.

 

Photo credits : google map street view