New station for Bedford

These plans have been put on hold.

Images have been unveiled of a new, environmentally-friendly station for Bedford. If planning permission is granted, Network Rail aims to have the new building complete in time for the introduction of the first longer, 12-carriage trains in December 2011.

Platform 1A is being extended north to accommodate 12-carriage trains (currently it can only cater for 4-carriage services), creating additional capacity and increasing reliability and punctuality. This longer platform drives through the existing building which means the station has to be rebuilt.

Network Rail has been working with Bedford Borough Council and the Bedford Station Quarter scheme to develop plans to bring passengers a better, more modern station building, along with other benefits:

• More room within the station building
• More modern station, with natural light and ventilation

By building the new station building alongside the existing structure there will be minimal disruption for passengers with access for the public throughout construction.

Platforms 2 and 3 will also be extended - by 31m - to the north. The existing footbridge and lifts will remain and connect in to the new station building at the first floor.

Network Rail intends to submit a full planning application for the new station building to Bedford Borough Council after Easter.

For more information click on the image below (this is a large file and may take time to load.: