The transformation of Station Road, Stoke into a welcoming space for commuters and accessible transport hub could be a step closer.
Plans are being considered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Planning Committee on 20 December. If the plans are approved, works will start in the new year.
The redevelopment of Station Road is the next stage of the £29m Transforming Cities Fund programme, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), to create a safe and attractive travel route connecting Stoke-on-Trent rail station to Hanley city centre and Hanley Bus Station. It will encourage more sustainable and active travel by providing a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, reduce congestion and improve access by bus.
Work has already started on sections of the adjoining College Road involving widening of footways, the introduction of new cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings and carriageway reconstruction to address pot holes and maintenance issues.
On Station Road, including Winton Square, the work is set to provide an attractive new public realm to enhance the stunning Grade ll* Listed buildings, including Stoke-on-Trent rail station buildings surrounding the square, and provide a sense of arrival. To make best use of this space, it has been proposed that the Josiah Wedgwood Statue, located on the opposite side of the road to the station entrance, will be moved to a more prominent location, just outside of the station entrance.
Subject to planning approval, Station Road will benefit from priority access for buses with a bus gate at Winton Square, helping to reduce traffic flow. The short stay parking outside Federation House and parking bays outside Winton Square will be replaced with spaces in car park one, next to the Royal Mail sorting office.
The plans include new bus stops and shelters in Station Road showing real-time passenger information and improved parking in Car Parks 1,2 and 3 at the front and rear of the station, including disabled parking, with drop-off and pick-up facilities for station users. Wider footways and pedestrian crossings at key locations will allow easy access to the station.
A new car park is being built next to the existing Car Park 3 at the rear of the station – replacing the 166 spaces from Car Park 1 – and is due to be completed in the new year ahead of the works.
Councillor Chris Robinson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“Should the plans be approved, work will be able to get underway quickly to transform this critical travel route for the city, linking the rail station to the city centre, after much planning and consultation.
“A nicer environment and highway improvements will provide safer travel options and make a big difference to residents, commuters, students and visitors. We hope to encourage walking and cycling by providing dedicated spaces as well as more sustainable travel by rail and bus.
“We appreciate there’ll be some disruption and thank people for their patience while this transformation takes shape.”
The council and contractor Galliford Try have been working closely with Network Rail and train operator Avanti West Coast in developing the plans and will be sharing information to help customers access the station while work is taking place.
Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stoke-on-Trent, said:
“The station’s main entrance will be open to use as normal during the works and members of the public can still pick up or drop off anyone at Winton Square during the first two phases of the works until October 2024. However, if you’re planning to leave your car at the station for the day or longer, you should do this at the rear of the building, where 166 new parking spaces will be available next to Car Park 3.
“We strongly advise if you’re travelling to or from Stoke during this period, you check the local authority website for the latest updates and allow extra time for your journey to the station.”
As with College Road, this work will also be undertaken in phases with appropriate temporary traffic management in place to maintain access and minimise disruption to road users.
Between January 2024 and October 2024, there’ll be one-way traffic on Station Road from its junction with College Road to its junction with Leek Road in that direction. Access to the station entrance and to businesses will be maintained throughout the works. Appropriate signage will be in place to direct road users during the works.
More information on the council’s TCF Programme and temporary traffic management can be found on Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) | | Stoke-on-Trent.
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