WORK has begun to deliver step-free access for railway customers at Pokesdown station in Bournemouth for the first time.

South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex) will install two new, modern customer lifts, the first customer lifts at the station, which will provide step-free access to both platforms for the first time.

SWR and NR Wessex are delivering the project with the support of funding by the Department for Transport and UK Government, unlocked under public ownership as the industry transitions to Great British Railways (GBR).

SWR and NR Wessex are contributing £4.6m, with the Government providing the remaining £2.6m required to enable the project to go ahead.

Representatives from SWR and NR Wessex as well as local partners, campaigners and elected representatives gathered today (Friday 16 October) to formally begin the major project.

Local MP for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes MP, ceremonially broke the first ground alongside the Managing Director of GBR South Western, Lawrence Bowman.

The ground was broken using a ceremonial spade, engraved with the GBR logo. Other GBR branding was also on display at the station for the event.

President of Business Operations at neighbour AFC Bournemouth, Jim Frevola, local campaigners and community representatives also attended and were thanked for their patience and determination to bring the project forward.

The project will transform access for passengers with reduced mobility, those travelling with luggage, parents with pushchairs and many others.

Once complete, the scheme will make it easier for all residents and visitors to access rail services from Pokesdown station, which serves both the local community and visitors travelling to Bournemouth and the surrounding area.

Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director of GBR South Western, said:

“Delivering step-free access to Pokesdown station will be transformative for residents and visitors here, with brand new, modern lifts to both platforms making journeys significantly easier.

“This major upgrade has been unlocked under public ownership thanks to the crucial contribution by the Government, enabling the project to go ahead, and the tireless campaigning by local people.

“Creating a suitably accessible and welcoming gateway to everything this area has to offer, achieved by a publicly owned railway in partnership with its local communities, is what the future Great British Railways is all about.”

Tom Hayes MP, Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East, said:

“With a £3m investment by the Labour government, two new lifts are being installed at Pokesdown station, with work beginning right now.

“It’s been a long time coming but this station will be accessible, and it shows that we achieve great things for our town when we stand together. It’s been my honour to represent people’s stories to the government and secure this funding.

“As the son of two disabled parents, it matters to me that everyone can travel with dignity. I also want the station’s fresher look to reflect the pride and spirit we all feel in Pokesdown."

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, Minister for Rail, said:

“It’s brilliant to see work begin on the new lifts at Pokesdown station, which will give local passengers the step-free access they’ve long called for, helping more people travel with independence and confidence.

“With this Government’s support, South Western Railway and Network Rail are working together to get this important project moving, which is exactly the kind of joined-up approach we’re building through Great British Railways.”

Construction work is now underway and is expected to continue until early 2028. Throughout the works, the station will remain open and operational for customers.

In addition to the new lifts, SWR and NR Wessex are working with AFC Bournemouth to make other improvements to the station for customers, including those heading to football matches.

Already completed are cleaning of the façade and booking hall area as well as the installation of a new interactive customer information totem and screens with live bus time updates.

Still to come are further enhancements to the booking hall, such as additional doors and widened access to the footbridge, and potential special offers to encourage fans to come to fixtures by train.