The Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Councillor David Norman today officially opened the new and upgraded Southend East station.
National Express train operator c2c’s Southend East station has been significantly upgraded and rebuilt over the past 9 months in a £1.5m investment as part of the National Stations Improvement Programme, with much improved facilities for customers including:
- Construction of a brand new ticket office on the south side of the station
- Improvements to station platforms, lighting and signage
- Enhanced CCTV equipment and customer information systems
- Improved pedestrian and cycle access from Ambleside Drive
- New station entrance with better access
- New cycle parking provided by the Borough Council on the north side of the station, in addition to the existing cycle parking provided by c2c at the station
- A much improved environment and asset for the local community
Julian Drury Managing Director of c2c said: “We’re proud to serve the people of Southend and Essex with award-winning train services – this significant investment at Southend East demonstrates our commitment to upgrading our stations and services in responding to what are customers are telling us. We want to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve. Here at Southend East we have met their aspirations, which were for better ticketing facilities and information, improved security and more cycle parking.”
James Duddridge MP for Rochford and Southend East said: “I am delighted to see the continual investment that c2c have carried out on the Shoeburyness to Fenchurch Street line. The investment to Southend East train station is yet another testament to their commitment to ensuring the service they provide to their passengers is second to none. I would like to thank c2c for their continual investment programme and I am sure that the residents of Southend will enjoy the new and improved station.”
Andrew Munden, Network Rail Route Director, said: “The improvements that have been delivered at Southend East station will give passengers what they want – a safer and brighter station providing an improved environment for everyone travelling by train.
“Britain relies on train travel and these new facilities are a great example of how the rail industry is collaborating to bring our stations into the 21st century, encouraging great use of the network.”
