A new rail station for Exeter's largest industrial estate in Marsh Barton is set to open, seven years after it was originally planned.
The station, located on the eastern edge of the estate, near the Energy from Waste plant, has been developed by GRAHAM on behalf of Devon County Council.
The £16m project was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and Great Western Railway. It also involved the development of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, which opened in April, improving travel links between Alphington, Marsh Barton, and the Riverside Valley Park.
Construction of the station itself was completed several weeks ago but has had to undergo independent assessments, standard checks and safety audits before the station can open.
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Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “It’s excellent news that the station has passed all of the necessary checks and that it can now open to passengers on Tuesday 4 July. The station will be a huge asset to this part of Exeter, providing convenient access to Marsh Barton trading estate as well as connecting with active links to access other areas of the city.”
The station will be served by hourly Great Western Railway services between Paignton and Exmouth, with half-hourly services at peak times.
Marsh Barton is Exeter’s largest trading estate, and one of the largest employment sites in the region, with employment planned to increase to 8,000 jobs. The trading estate covers over 1.2 square miles (3.1 sq km) supporting over 500 businesses, including one of Europe’s largest motoring centres, showrooms, builders’ merchants, tool and plant hire.
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It is a core element of the Devon Metro rail strategy for Exeter and is central to the growth plans not only for the Marsh Barton employment area, but also for the South West Exeter urban extension, as well as Dawlish and Newton Abbot.
GWR business development director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably. Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area. Marsh Barton is one of three GWR stations to open this year along with Portway Park & Ride in Bristol and Reading Green Park, and we are excited for the benefits these stations will bring to the local economy, to residents, businesses and leisure travellers in the areas they serve.”
Bogdan Lupu, Network Rail’s industry programme director for the South West, added: “Working in partnership with Devon County Council, GWR and GRAHAM, we are delighted to welcome this brand-new fully accessible station in Marsh Barton onto the rail network. It will unlock better connections to jobs, events, and opportunities for people in Exeter and across the South West.”
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