Improvements to Alton’s train station forecourt are progressing rapidly, says East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), with the project on track to be completed next month. 

The £1.3 million scheme, jointly funded by EHDC, Hampshire County Council, South Western Railway and Network Rail, aims to transform the parking and drop-off area at Station Road into an “attractive and accessible gateway to the town”, with easier access for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The pavement, which runs from the Anstey Road junction along Station Road, will also benefit from resurfacing work along with improved drainage, hydroplanting and new parking control measures.

Work on the site began in mid-August 2022, with the footway from Paper Mill Lane to the station main entrance already reopened. 

The pavements and car parking area around Station Cafe and Waitrose have also been completed, and contractors for station car park owners Network Rail have this month begun additional planned work to the car park tarmac.

This is expected to take around six weeks, after which council contractors Walkers Construction will return to undertake the final surfacing works.

The completed scheme will see the inclusion of planters and bollards to prevent vehicles from parking on the pavements.

Councillor Rob Mocatta, EHDC’s portfolio holder for climate change and placemaking, said: “I am really excited to see how the work is progressing and I cannot wait to see the project completed. 

“This is an important area for local people. These improvements will make a huge difference to anyone visiting the station, making it easier and safer to access, and providing passengers with a better overall experience.”