The works were funded by the Local Growth Fund, via Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. It is part of the wider Newbury Railway Station Improvement and Interchange Enhancement Scheme led by West Berkshire Council and Great Western Railway (GWR).

The project involved the creation of a block paved area at the front of the station ticket office and the installation of new seating areas and planters, making the area more aesthetically pleasing. Opposite the station, the footway has been widened and revisions made to the parking area with designated electric vehicle charge point spaces, which will be installed in a later phase. A new crossing point to the front of the station ensures users are able to safely cross the road and a lengthened bus stop area accommodates up to three buses.

In addition, VolkerHighways has installed street lighting infrastructure and completed new surfacing, kerbing and improved the surface water drainage throughout.

As part of our community engagement, we held regular liaison meetings with St Nicolas C of E Junior School due to its close proximity to the scheme. This ensured the safety of school children during drop off and pick up.  In May, VolkerHighways will be visiting the school to present an interactive session on road safety – a campaign that is particularly important to VolkerHighways.

Key considerations included the construction of new offices and the importance of keeping the railway station - a main commuter route to London and Reading - open throughout the works, regular meetings were held with all parties involved. Activities were programmed to minimise disruption, and limit any impact on rail travellers. In addition to the original scope of work, VolkerHighways supported GWR with a number of additional highway improvement works, including laying new ducting, which reduced the number of contractors on site and improved efficiencies.

Kunle Kolaru, operations director for VolkerHighways, said: “Even with the challenges of this project, including the constraints of keeping the railway station open at all times, this scheme is yet another example of VolkerHighways and its supply chain partners, in collaboration with West Berkshire Council, delivering a quality scheme to time and budget.”

Jon Winstanley, service director for environment, transport and countryside at West Berkshire Council, said: “Its great news that this key enhancement has been delivered on programme and within budget.

“This investment and collaboration with our partners will support the local economy and help us deliver our long term strategic priority of helping businesses to start, develop, and thrive in West Berkshire, as well as grow a strong social community.”