News / Transport
New £10m train station for Henbury
North Bristol has been thrust into the spotlight recently as an influx of proposed redevelopment has triggered urgent calls for investment in transport.
It is therefore welcome news for many that the long-awaited reopening of the Henbury Spur line has moved a step closer, with the recommendation that a new station will be built to the east of the ward.
Councillors have spoken out in support of the location for the station, which is expected to cost between £9m and £10m and will form part of the MetroWest Phase Two project.
is needed now More than ever
Mark Weston
However Tory group leader Mark Weston has vowed to keep on fighting for the Henbury Loop to be reopened to connect with the existing Severn Beach Line to provide greater rail provision.
Chris Windows, a Tory councillor for Henbury and Brentry, said: “It is clear that this part of Bristol/South Gloucestershire is going to see – and be affected by – an explosion in residential, retail and leisure redevelopment, particularly if the arena is built on the city and county border.
“If we are to avoid overwhelming residential roads with this huge increase in traffic, it is essential that attractive alternatives to the car, like rail, are offered to the travelling public. I for one can’t wait to hop on a train when this new station opens.”
The decision to recommend the station is built at Henbury east, as opposed to an alternative site to the west, has been based on it being a cheaper option, with better provisions for existing and proposed developments and more suitable for a loop service without the need to buy third party land.
A consultation found that public opinion was pretty evenly split between the two.
Members of the West of England Joint Committee are expected to agree the recommendation at a meeting on Friday, February 2.
Former MP for Bristol North West Charlotte Leslie campaigned for the Henbury Loop line to be reopened
Weston, also a councillor for Henbury and Brentry, said: “Together with residents, we are delighted that a decision on this next week will bring the delivery of a Henbury Station one step closer.
“There was little to choose between the two sites under consideration and I am just pleased that big capital investment in rail continues and the Government remains committed to improving the network.
“Of course, together with local people, I intend to carry on making the case for a full loop line.”
The possibility that the Bristol Arena could be built in the Brabazon Hangar has prompted renewed calls for transport improvements
The announcement that the Brabazon Hangar is being considered as an alternative location for Bristol’s 12,000 capacity arena prompted renewed calls for more investment in transport in the area.
A petition launched by MP for Bristol North West has gained more than 300 signatures to date.
Read more: ‘We need a £50m transport fund for north Bristol’
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