MELKSHAM Rail User Group (MRUG) has welcomed the news that exciting plans to transform Melksham Railway Station have taken a step forward.
It was announced last week that TransWilts Community Interest Company had signed a lease for the car park area on Station Approach, and the adjacent land (opposite the station) which was formerly a builder’s yard, allowing them to press ahead with planned improvements for facilities at the station, including a café, piazza, and an extension to the parking areas.
About the news, MRUG said, “The Melksham Rail User Group welcomes improvements at Melksham station and welcomes this development by TransWilts as part of the masterplan.
“TransWilts will continue to offer car parking for rail users previously offered by Wiltshire Council. The car park will in due course be extended, and will be generally available and not just on rail business.
“Rapid electric car charging points (on a national system) will be available and cycle and (free) motor cycle areas. A toilet, café and piazza will be available – planned for late autumn. Access across to the station will be improved, where there will be additional disabled parking spaces and short term (30 minute) free parking.
“TransWilts is a not-for-profit company. Car parking charges are being set below those of other station car parks in Wiltshire and any income after operational and land lease costs, will be re-invested in further improvements at Melksham station.”
Paul Johnson, chairman of TransWilts said, “We are grateful to Wiltshire Council for making the site available, enabling us to provide the Melksham Hub as the initial phase of an overall masterplan for the station.
“Construction is being funded with grants from local stakeholders, GWR and the Community Rail Network, and the work will commence in July 2020.”
To find out more about the exciting plans for the station, please see https://melkshamhub.co.uk/home/
