Plans have been approved for the Transforming Cities programme of works to Station Road in Stoke to create an attractive and welcoming space outside Stoke-on-Trent’s main rail station.
Proposals for Station Road were approved at a Stoke-on-Trent City Council Planning Committee today (Wednesday 14 February). Members showed their support for the new public realm which will enhance the stunning Grade ll* Listed buildings, including Stoke-on-Trent rail station and buildings surrounding Winton Square, as well as the introduction of a bus gate at Winton Square to reduce congestion and provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Plans to move the Josiah Wedgwood statue to a more prominent position in front of the station entrance were also approved. The decision had been deferred from December’s Planning Committee to allow more detailed consideration of this preferred option.
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.
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 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.
Councillor Chris Robinson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“Now that plans have been approved, work will soon be able to get underway 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.
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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