EMR completes £250k Beeston station upgrade with focus on community and biodiversity
- EMR has completed a £250,000 project to revamp Beeston station
- Improvements include included resurfacing and remodelling the forecourt, new cycle shelter and planters
- New lighting and additional seating also installed
East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is operated by Transport UK, has completed a £250,000 project to revamp Beeston station.
The improvements, which were supported by the Railway Heritage Trust, included resurfacing and remodelling the forecourt to create more social space for customers – turning an old car park into a fully pedestrianised social space.
The building façade was also repaired and redecorated, while a new designated area for the station’s volunteers was created.
A new cycle shelter with a green roof, additional seating and improved lighting has also been installed.
The project has also created a new garden area with planters and bird nesting boxes. It incorporates wildlife-friendly planting schemes and is aimed at boosting biodiversity at the station.
EMR worked closely with the Friends of Beeston Station when planning the project.
Sarah Hampton, Secretary of the Friends of Beeston Station, said: "The changes to Beeston station over the past 12 months have been welcomed by the local community.
"EMR’s recent redesign of the station forecourt has created an attractive public space. The station is going from strength to strength."
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "We are proud of the improvements we have put in place at Beeston station.
"Not only do they help to improve the general environment for customers, making it more pleasant and welcoming, but we have also worked closely with stakeholders to include things they wanted to see – such as cycling facilities and wildlife-friendly planters."
Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of The Railway Heritage Trust said: ‘We are pleased to have supported with a grant these works by East Midlands Railway to the forecourt and façade of Grade II Beeston Station.
"It is the earliest surviving example of a station building by the Midland Railway dating from 1847, and was built in a signature style that became common across their network."