Works are set to start on transforming Station Road and College Road, in Stoke, creating a safe and attractive travel route between Stoke-on-Trent station and the city centre.
This work will encourage more sustainable travel by rail, bus, cycling and walking.
The £29m Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, will improve access for buses, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety at junctions. Dedicated space for cyclists and pedestrians will encourage ‘Active Travel’ in a pleasant and healthier environment along this route that stretches just over a mile and includes Station Road, College Road, Cleveland Road, Regent Road and Lower Bethesda Street.
Work is due to start this Autumn:
- College Road works are planned to start in October 2023 for approximately 16 months. This will provide an improved route connecting the City Centre Bus Station with the rail station.
- Station Road works are planned to start in January 2024 for approximately 12 months. This will improve access to and from the rail station for all station users, including commuters.
Inevitably this work will cause some disruption, but it will be done in phases with appropriate traffic management in place to minimise impact to travellers and local community. We’re warning people as much in advance as possible, and will be providing more information ahead of each phase of work.
This is a key route for commuters and visitors arriving in the city by train and bus. It will help people navigate the way to and from the city centre, provide better access to the station and link new developments such as the Goods Yard neighbourhood, currently in construction next to the station.
Public realm works along Station Road will enhance the stunning Grade ll* Listed station building and provide a sense of arrival. Along Station Road and College Road, there’ll be priority access for buses and taxis, reducing traffic flow, with new bus stops and shelters. Road widths will be reduced allowing more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The carriageway will be reconstructed and resurfaced, with new crossing facilities, improved lighting and planting.
The environmental and access improvements will benefit thousands of students who study and live in the area as well as those regularly travelling into the city to attend classes.
Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Planning, Climate Change and Regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“This is a critical route for the city, linking the station to the city centre and bus station. The improvements will make a big difference to commuters, visitors and students as they move around the city.
“We hope that by creating a more attractive environment and easier access that more people will be encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport for a healthier city and to support healthier lifestyles.
“There’ll be some disruption in the making. However, once completed, the enhanced local environment will benefit residents, bring a boost to local businesses, be more welcoming to students and support a thriving local economy where people want to live, study and work.”
Civil engineering contractor Galliford Try has been appointed by the council to deliver the work and we’re working in partnership with Network Rail and Avanti West Coast – the train operating company.
The work follows a period of stakeholder consultation completed in 2022 responding to local knowledge and concerns which were addressed in the detailed design phase.
Information for residents and businesses
More information will be available for residents and businesses in the area. Newsletters will be delivered to relevant properties ahead of each phase starting, with information on what the work will involve, timings and diversion routes. There’ll also be details on how you can talk to someone from Galliford Try if you have any questions or concerns.
The team can also be contacted by email – stoketcf@gallifordtry.co.uk
Businesses and organisations in the area will be invited to an information session and we’re working with Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent College and the Sixth Form College to keep staff and students informed.
More information can be found on the website - www.stoke.gov.uk/TCF
Ends
For more information
For all media enquiries please contact Val Smith at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on val.smith@stoke.gov.uk or 01782 23 6636.
Images
The Station Road image is an indicative artist impression and subject to planning. Following planning approval, construction is expected throughout 2024.
Notes to Editors
Transforming Cities Fund
The Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) is capital funding from government aimed at driving up productivity through investments in public and sustainable transport infrastructure.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been awarded £29m for a major redevelopment of the station gateway area into a multi-modal mobility hub and to improve connectivity and accessibility between the city centre, City Centre Bus Station, Stoke rail station and employment areas within the city. Highway improvements along Station Road and College Road corridors will create a safe and attractive travel route to encourage cycling, walking and travel by rail and bus.
Galliford Try
Galliford Try is a trading name of Galliford Try Holdings plc, a leading UK construction group listed on the London Stock Exchange. Operating as Galliford Try and Morrison Construction, the group carries out building and infrastructure projects with clients in the public, private and regulated sectors across the UK.
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