A new rail infrastructure initiative for Warwick District has taken an important step forward with the announcement of an improvement scheme for Leamington Spa Station.
The programme of investment to the station forecourt and underpass will be delivered ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls competitions, taking place at Royal Leamington Spa’s Victoria Park.
The £1.2m Leamington Spa Station improvement scheme which is being funded by Warwick District Council and the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership will include;
- The development of a new public space in the station forecourt to create a welcoming hub on arrival;
- Improved public transport connectivity;
- The refurbishment of the station underpass to improve the route between the station and town centre;
- The installation of new wayfinding signs; and
- Increased cycle racks and storage.
The scheme has now been adopted by Warwickshire County Council who have agreed to oversee the design and delivery stages of the works.
Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger commented;
“The new scheme will not only offer an attractive and efficient point of entry for competitors and spectators visiting Royal Leamington Spa for the Games, but will also provide a lasting legacy which is in keeping with our vibrant and beautiful town. We are extremely grateful for the support of our partners from the CWLEP and Warwickshire County Council in facilitating these exciting plans, which will help us to put our town and wider district on the map.”
Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, Councillor Jeff Clarke commented:
“Warwickshire County Council is committed to supporting all our residents through excellent Transport Infrastructure. Leamington Spa is a major station on the Warwickshire rail network and, as a Council, we were very happy to adopt the design and delivery of these important improvements to the site.
“The new look station forecourt and refurbished underpass will create a modern and accessible train station in Royal Leamington Spa ready for the influx of visitors to the Town ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Nick Abell, Chair of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, added;
“This is a crucial stage in the countdown to Royal Leamington Spa hosting the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as the infrastructure now starts to be put in place.
“Improving the accessibility to Leamington Spa Station and adding new signs to Victoria Park are among the initiatives that will improve the experience for visitors from across the UK and further afield who may be arriving in the town for the first time and will be boosting the local economy.”
To find out more about the Leamington Spa Station Improvement Scheme and view and comment on the provisional design proposals visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/leamingtonstation
Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership
A total of £1.8 million has been awarded to Warwick District Council from Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) for infrastructure improvements ahead of Victoria Park’s role as an official venue for Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls competitions during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. This funding includes a sum of almost £1.6 million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund (LGF).
Local Growth Fund
Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone.
That’s why by 2021 Government will have invested over £12bn through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders.
Some additional key facts:
- There are 38 LEPs covering the whole of England.
- The government has awarded £9.1bn in three rounds of Growth Deals to local areas to drive economic growth.
- LEPs are investing in a wide range of projects including transport, skills, business support, broadband, innovation and flood defences.
Midlands Engine
Some Midlands Engine key facts:
- The government is committed to making the Midlands an Engine for Growth in the UK, increasing economic growth and improving the quality of life for everyone. The Midlands is home to over 10 million people and over 780,000 businesses. Its economy is worth £217.7 billion.
- So far, the government has awarded £1.9 billion in three rounds of Growth Deals across the Midlands.
More information about transport and travel in Warwickshire can be found online: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/roads-transport
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