The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has approved an investment of £150m to upgrade Gatwick Airport train station.
The modernization of the Gatwick Airport train station’s facilities will reduce train delays caused by platform overcrowding and congestion, as well as offer easier connections across the south-east.
As part of the modernization project, the size of the station concourse will be doubled and five new lifts and eight escalators will be installed. It will also include widening of two platforms to reduce overcrowding.
UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “With 46 million people now using Gatwick Airport every year and 20 million coming by train, it is vital that we make the station more accessible and customer friendly for those travelling through it.
“We want to see Gatwick Airport’s success continue to flourish and ensure that it is ready for even more passengers in the future. Through this £150m investment, we will deliver vital upgrades to boost the station’s capacity and provide better, seamless journeys for all.”
DfT, in association with Network Rail, will manage the modernisation of the Gatwick Airport station.
Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate added: “Gatwick has been transformed in recent years and the redesigned train station will take the airport’s redevelopment to the next level by providing a seamless transition between the airport and the station, more lifts, escalators and a doubling in the size of the concourse.
“The new station will complement the huge improvements to rail services at the airport, which include new fleets of Gatwick Express and Thameslink trains and services that now leave the airport for London every 3 minutes – as frequently as services on the tube.”
Network Rail Southern Region has appointed smart infrastructure solutions company Costain to deliver the redevelopment of Gatwick Airport station.
The project will receive funding from Gatwick Airport and Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership contributing £37m and £10m, respectively.
The modernisation is scheduled to start in mid-2020 and is likely to be completed in two years.