Torquay Station set for major accessibility upgrades as work begins this month
The improvements will include a new 13-metre ramp between platforms 1 and 2, a waiting room with an accessible toilet on platform 2 and improvements to accessible parking and drop-off areas.
Work to improve the accessibility of Torquay Station is due to start this month.
Following concerns about the accessibility of Torquay Train Station, improvements are finally being made, with the work due to start this month.
This will involve a new 13-metre ramp between platforms 1 and 2, a waiting room with an accessible toilet on platform 2 and improvements to accessible parking and drop-off areas.
Network Rail will carry out the work, with teams expected to be on site between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Passengers at Torquay Station are set to benefit from a package of improvements designed to make the station more accessible and provide better facilities.”
“These improvements form part of the Government’s Access for All programme.”
“Work is due to be completed in spring 2027, and we’ll keep passengers updated as the project progresses.”
They also added that the work will not disrupt services to and from the station.
The Access for All (AfA) programme was formed in 2006 and is a Government-backed initiative managed by the Department for Transport and Network Rail.
AfA aims to address the challenges faced by disabled passengers or those with mobility restrictions by creating obstacle-free and step-free routes at railways stations across the UK.
Torbay MP Steve Darling has backed the improvements being made to the station.
He said: “The new accessible ramp and waiting room with an accessible toilet will make a huge difference for those who use Torquay Station.”
The improvements will address accessible parking and drop-off facilities, but Mr Darling has also raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians outside the station.
He said: “Currently, as a pedestrian leaving the station there is no safe route out.”
“I have had an onsite meeting with GWR, Torbay Council and concerned residents around this and am hoping to see improvements.”
He also added: “As a town with a large and important tourism industry, it is really important that our station creates an excellent first impression for those arriving in Torquay.”