BROMSGROVE Railway Station has marked its tenth anniversary of bringing better rail services, improved connectivity and investment in Worcestershire’s transport network.
The modern, accessible station opened on July 12, 2016. It boasts expanded parking, longer platforms and the capacity needed to accommodate growing demand and improved rail services.
A campaign for a new station for Bromsgrove had been going on for decades. At the previous one, the platforms were too short to accommodate longer trains and it meant some services could not stop there.
The investment transformed rail travel in Bromsgrove.
The first service to arrive at the new Bromsgrove Railway Station. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant edia Group.
What was once served by just one train per hour is now connected by regular West Midlands Railway services on the Cross-City Line to Birmingham and Lichfield. And, as before, the Birmingham to Hereford route also stops there, giving passengers more travel options and better access to the region’s key destinations.
Over the past decade, the station has become a vital part of Worcestershire’s transport network. It has helped residents access employment, education and leisure opportunities while supporting economic growth across the county.
The station has also become an important transport hub, with the launch of the Worcestershire on Demand bus service in 2021. This has strengthened links between rail and local bus services, making it easier for people to complete their journeys using public transport.
Passenger numbers have continued to grow since the station opened. Last year alone, there were approximately 858,000 passenger journeys.
Picture – SLC. s
Coun Tom Wells, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Bromsgrove Station is one of Worcestershire’s great transport success stories and its tenth anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved.
“For the past decade, the station has provided residents with better facilities, more frequent services and stronger connections across the region.
“This project showed what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition, and we’re proud of the lasting benefits it continues to deliver for local communities today.”
The station was delivered through an innovative funding arrangement. This was developed by Worcestershire County Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. It was supported by rail specialist advisers SLC. The approach enabled the construction of the new station alongside the electrification of the railway, allowing more train services to call at Bromsgrove and improving connections to destinations across the region.
Ian Walters, SLC managing director, added: “Bromsgrove Station is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to find innovative solutions to complex challenges.
“We were proud to support the development and delivery of a project that has transformed connectivity for Bromsgrove and it continues to deliver benefits for passengers, businesses and the wider economy ten years on.
“Seeing the station thriving today is a testament to the vision, commitment and partnership that made the scheme possible.”
Picture – SLC. s
Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway’s customer experience director, added everyone was delighted to celebrate the last decade.
“The spacious platforms, ticket office and cafe have hugely improved the customer experience at Bromsgrove, and we are pleased to see how passenger numbers for the station have grown over the years.”
Coun Adam Kent, Worcestershire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Finance, Corporate Services and Business, said it was a real success story and he was delighted to see the station thriving with strong passenger use and a busy car park.
“It’s also indicative of the wider investment we’ve seen across Worcestershire, including Worcestershire Parkway and other stations.
“It also brings back memories of launching the Worcestershire on-demand bus service from here, building on the improvements already made to the station.”
He said the improvements were part of an ‘integrated transport approach for Worcestershire’.
