A NEW £2.7million train station is coming to the UK in a huge boost for a tiny mining town.
A revised plan to modernise train travel in the north of Newcastle-under-Lyme has been completed and awaiting council approval.
A revised plan to modernise train travel in the north of Newcastle-under-Lyme is reaching its next stage of its journey[/caption]
An artists impression of the new Kidsgrove train station which is on track for council approval[/caption]
Developed by East Midlands Railway and National Rail – the £2.7m project is backed by Kidsgrove Town Deal Board.
From the 18th century, Kidsgrove grew around coal mining, although the pits have now closed.
And the original proposals for the new railway were scrapped due to historical mining issues which would have cost up to £13 million to sort out.
But now, a revised project to upgrade its railway station is only awaiting formal approval from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council reports RailBusinessDaily.
The plan covers refurbishment of the railway station including renovation of the main building, Island Building (platform two) and wider site enhancements.
Kidsgrove has many rural canal path walks alongside direct rail and road links to major employment hubs.
It also has a swimming pool and a dry ski slope but one of the main attractions in Kidsgrove is the Harecastle Tunnel.
The 18th century tunnel is part of the Trent and Mersey Canal and is over 2 miles long and is a popular with boaters and walkers.
The tunnel is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who died during its construction.
Another popular attraction is the Clough Hall Park which is located on the site of an old mansion and has a lake, playground, and picnic areas.
The town also has a vast selection of local independent shops, a swimming pool and a popular dry ski slope.
Council Leader Simon Tagg, who is vice-chair of the Kidsgrove Town Deal Board, said: “Investing in an improved railway station is a strategically important project in the Kidsgrove Town Deal Investment Plan.
“It ties together all the other transformative schemes – like the reopening of Kidsgrove sports centre, new pump track at Newchapel recreation ground, community sports facilities and a business park at Chatterley Valley West.
“And will help to create a connected and accessible town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.”
The new railway programme involves refurbing the main station building’s waiting room, toilet facilities and kitchen.
It will also include new windows and doors, timber cladding, an air source heat pump and solar panels.
The Island Building will see a renovated waiting room and the creation of a community space.
There will also be a new car park layout, plus a new cycle store and access improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.
A detailed design could be available in spring 2026, with the work completed by 2027, the authority said.
