Town MP, Nicholas Soames, held a meeting with the key parties involved in the redevelopment of East Grinstead railway station, on Friday at the Town Council.

Mr Soames said; "In the light of the local anxieties that have been expressed to me particularly about the proposed design, funding, the location of the bus interchange and disabled access; I thought it would be beneficial for the interested parties to meet to discuss the plans. This scheme is so important for the town that it is essential that we get it right. The town's image of itself is as important as the first impression that the station creates for visitors.”

At the start of the meeting Iain Steane, Transport Planner at West Sussex County Council, gave a presentation on the latest highway proposals.

Nicholas Soames said; “I was heartened to learn that Southern Railway is proposing to fund the shortfall for the improved interchange facility at the front of the station, through its station travel plan scheme. Nathan Spilsted, Senior Planning Officer at Mid Sussex District Council advised that some of the monies have been secured via Section 106 agreements from local developments at East Grinstead, specifically for sustainable transport."

The location of the building has been changed to improve the front of the station transport interchange. Improved passenger waiting facilities will be provided within the new building and on the platforms. The Bluebell Heritage Railway have been consulted over the internal passenger facilities and a review is taking place of car park provision.

Nicholas Soames said; "Following the presentation the attendees agreed upon the principle of the scheme from a planning perspective. This scheme demonstrates a significant investment by Network Rail which is warmly welcomed, but high quality design really matters. James Ashman, Senior Commercial Scheme Sponsor at Network Rail and Paul Trevett, Facilities Manager at Southern Railway, briefed the group on the latest building design which is a modular station design.

“The Group expressed widespread concern over the inappropriateness of the design. I understand that there are cost constraints, but it is depressing to think that this design will be replicated all across the country; Councillor Heidi Brunsdon rightly stated that we need a design that reflects the future and the past.”

Following a discussion, it was agreed that Chris Rolley, Town Clerk, would provide Will Dorman, the District Council's Urban Designer, with a range of photographs which reflect the historic nature of the town. Mr Soames will convene a further meeting once Mr Dorman has consulted with Network Rail's architect.

James Ashman said; "Network Rail will do what it can to have the building looking like the town wants, within our budget."

Nicholas Soames said; "I am very grateful to Network Rail for readily taking our points on board. We need a locally distinctive design for a town which is looking to make more of itself and any help that Network Rail or Southern Railway can give would be much appreciated."

Councillor Liz Bennett said; "I was extremely grateful to Nicholas Soames for organising such a useful meeting. The opportunity to sit around the table and discuss the scheme face to face was invaluable.”

-ends-

Notes:

The station has been identified as one of the 150 medium sized stations in the country to benefit from the national stations improvement programme, which amounts to approximately £2 million of investment in East Grinstead by Network Rail. Southern Railway will be delivering the station redevelopment and West Sussex County Council is responsible for the interchange facilities.

Network Rail aim to put the finished design out for tender in the summer with the contractor being appointed by the end of the year.

Over the next four years, Network Rail proposes to make a number of improvements on the Victoria to East Grinstead line, including the lengthening of platforms at East Grinstead to enable 12 car trains to operate.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Soames and hosted by the Town Clerk, Chris Rolley at East Grinstead Town Council.

Attendees:

• Nicholas Soames MP

• Christopher Rolley – East Grinstead Town Clerk

• James Ashman – Senior Commercial Scheme Sponsor, Network Rail

• Chris Wiggan – Public Affairs Manager (London and South East), Network Rail

• Paul Trevett – Facilities Manager at Southern Railway

• Claire Tester – Head of Economic Promotion and Planning at Mid Sussex District Council

• Nathan Spilsted – Senior Planning Officer, Planning Policy, MSDC

• Iain Steane – Transport Planner, Transport Planning Team, West Sussex County Council

• Alex Miller – Senior Transport Planner, WSCC

• Councillor Liz Bennett - Town, District and County councillor

• Councillor Heidi Brunsdon – Town, District and County councillor

• Councillor Bob Mainstone – Town Councillor

• Chris Parker – Co-ordinator East Grinstead Business Association

• Eddie Harper - East Grinstead & District Access Group