WORK has begun to prepare the site on which the £22million Worcestershire Parkway Railway Station will be built.
The Government gave the go ahead for the new station to be built back in January this year and already builders have moved to begin the clearance work.
Specialist rail contractor Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd were recently awarded the design and build contract for the scheme by the County Council. This includes carrying out de-vegetation work to allow the site to be prepared ready for development.
Due to the sensitive ecological nature of the area, a pre-construction ecology survey was completed before work began and an ecologist will be on site at all times during the de-vegetation work.
It’s hoped the final design work will be approved by this summer, with construction work to begin in the autumn. Council chiefs have said construction of the station is due to be complete by the winter of 2018.
Coun Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills & Infrastructure, said: “The start of work on site marks a significant milestone and demonstrates continued progress on this vitally important scheme.
“Once complete, the station will provide improved rail accessibility and connectivity to and through Worcestershire. In turn, this will attract inward investment into the county and create new jobs.”
Marc Riley, Framework Director for Rail at Buckingham Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with Worcestershire County Council to deliver the design and build contract for the construction of a new and exciting landmark for the County.
“We look forward to working with key stakeholders, bringing our experience and knowledge from previous schemes in order to deliver a station that will make a significant difference to the area.”
