Work is to begin in January to improve the approach and entrance to Stafford Railway Station.

It will include refurbishment of the concourse, new street furniture, increased disabled parking close to the station, road resurfacing and a larger relocated public short-stay car park.  

The scheme will also improve access for people with disabilities and is part of the wider transformation of the town centre - which has seen the £1 million revamp of Market Square, and work to begin soon on demolishing the Guildhall Shopping Centre and derelict former Co-op department store.

Stafford Borough Council successfully secured money from the government for the town centre transformation projects.

The station is the gateway to Stafford town and sits adjacent to Victoria Park which has retained national recognition this year as one of the best parks and open spaces in the UK.

Councillor Rob Kenney, Deputy Leader of the council with responsibility for town centres, said the railway station was often the first impression visitors to the county town would experience.

“It will be great to see this work underway as it is another piece in our jigsaw of transforming the town. First impressions really do count. Visitors and rail users will exit onto an enhanced concourse with the award-winning Victoria Park on the doorstep - which underwent a £2.5m restoration not so long ago. This will be a fantastic advert for the town.”

Council Leader, Aidan Godfrey, added: “We are excited about ‘Project Stafford’, and we hope residents and businesses will be as positive for the future as we start delivering the scheme at the railway station and work begins on preparing the Guildhall Shopping Centre and former Co-op to attract developers and bring more investment into the town centre.”

The main entrance to the Guildhall Shopping Centre sits at the foot of the refurbished Market Square in the heart of the town and adjacent to the former Co-op - with the council looking at a mix of residential and commercial offer for both.

Buildings on the eastern frontage along Greengate Street and the existing and occupied buildings at Market Square are to be retained - as will the commercial units along Crabbery Street and fronting St Mary’s Grove. The Co-op frontage will also be retained.

The award-winning civil engineering company, McPhillips (Wellington) Limited, will be undertaking the station approach scheme with work expected to start immediately after the Christmas period.

Press Release No 6157