The project will cost £5.5M with the aim of creating an international gateway at Southampton Central, providing ease of access to the port, cruise terminals and into the city centre.
Planned improvements will see a new cruise passenger waiting lounge with real-time information built, increased access to sustainable travel options, an improved taxi rank, drop off facilities and improved car parking and loading facilities.
Work will be completed on the south side of the station, funded in part by a contribution from South Western Railway of £1.3M. It is scheduled to be completed by July 2023.
Southampton City Council cabinet member for transport and district regeneration councillor Eamonn Keogh said: "First impressions are key and the improvements planned at the south side of the station will create a sense of arrival and will also improve passengers’ experience.
“The plans for Central Station align in with our focus on public transport networks and making the most of gateways into the city, which will crucially support the wider regeneration of the area, such as the Maritime Gateway development.
“I look forward to seeing this project materialise through joint working with our partners Balfour Beatty Living Places, South Western Railway and Network Rail and am excited to see the revamped station in the autumn."
New bus facilities including dedicated bus stops and improved bus accessibility will further be constructed while pedestrians will benefit from improved access with dedicated crossing points within the forecourt with improved disabled parking and access. The crossing on Western Esplanade to the east of the station will also be upgraded for improved access to the International Maritime Promenade and the city centre.
A new passenger waiting lounge will provide refuge to cruise passengers that arrive by rail and will be built in a style that will complement the art deco style of the main station building.
The station upgrade coincides with a planned new development at Maritime Gateway which is anticipated to start construction later this year, both of which form part of the Station Quarter development area.
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