REVISED PLAN LODGED FOR GATWICK RAIL STATION REVAMP

Network Rail and Gatwick Airport have submitted fresh plans to redevelop the railway station at the airport.

The project has been on the cards for several years with Costain involved in the development phase of the planned '120m expansion project.

Proposals submitted to Crawley Borough Council aim to reduce crowding at the station, improve passenger flow and provide better connections between the railway station, airport terminals and onward travel destinations.

Subject to planning, a final decision on funding the project will be taken in the Autumn with construction planned to start the following year in time for the new station to open in 2022.

This major station upgrade will be delivered alongside a significant increase in capacity on rail services through Gatwick, between Brighton and London, as a result of committed and planned enhancements.

Proposed improvements

Almost doubling the size of the rail station concourse
Eight new escalators, five new lifts and four new stairways to improve accessibility and passenger flow
Widening platforms 5 and 6 to reduce overcrowding
Better connections to the south terminal with improved passenger information
An attractive new roof structure.

John Halsall, Network Rail manager director for the South East route, said: 'Our proposals for the station are still being developed in detail and the submission of the planning application is an important step forward in this process.'