Work starts on Pokesdown station lifts

South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex) have started work that will see the installation of two new, modern customer lifts at Pokesdown for Boscombe station. The first customer lifts at the station, after years of funding issues and campaigning, will provide step-free access to both platforms.

SWR and NR Wessex are delivering the project with the support of funding by the Department for Transport and UK Government, unlocked under public ownership as the industry transitions to Great British Railways (GBR).

Representatives from SWR and NR Wessex as well as local partners, campaigners and elected representatives gathered on Friday 16 October to formally begin the major project.

Local MP for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes MP, ceremonially broke the first ground alongside the Managing Director of GBR South Western, Lawrence Bowman. SWR and NR Wessex are contributing £4.6m, with the Government providing the remaining £2.6m required to enable the project to go ahead.

President of Business Operations at neighbour AFC Bournemouth, Jim Frevola, local campaigners and community representatives also attended and were thanked for their patience and determination to bring the project forward.