The proposals will bring about major improvements outside the high level station concourse on Harrow Manorway and at the lower level station access in Felixstowe Road and Gayton Road. The re-designed streets and public space will integrate the new building into the existing townscape, allowing passengers to make easy transitions to connecting modes of transport and local amenities.
The main entrance to the new station is now accessed off the Harrow Manorway flyover, and a wide `Toucan’ signalised crossing will be provided to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the busy road onto the station forecourt. New cycle lanes and footways on Harrow Manorway provide improved access for passengers. The existing bus shelter will be refurbished and turned into a large cycle shelter for cycle commuters. New bus shelters will provide protection and seating for large numbers of waiting passengers for onward journeys. The station forecourt and footways have been paved in grey granite sympathetic to the new station and existing flyover structure. The forecourt has seats and real-time train information to allow the space to function as an outdoor waiting area.
Lifts and steps provide access to the upper level allowing pedestrians to cross the railway at any time of day or night. Felixstowe Road will continue to provide vehicle access to the station from the north, with a new taxi rank, drop-off bays and short stay parking bays along the kerb sides. Raised crossing areas will help to create pedestrian priorities and manage traffic speeds. Yorkstone paving, setts, trees and seats will provide a village character to the area. A new informal public space, defined by a low wall and planting, with seats, trees, shrubs and cycle stands will be created in front of the parade of shops on Chantry Close.
In Gayton Road a similar village character with pedestrian priorities will be developed. Several new trees will be planted to compliment the retained trees and enhance the wooded nature of the neighbourhood. The existing bus stop will be retained under the flyover providing direct bus access to the southern entrance. Seats will be scattered throughout the area to provide places to rest and socialise and further develop the village character.
Water bottle filling stations will be placed close to the steps on the main pedestrian routes to the station.
To help meet the demand for cycle parking mini cycle hub’s will be built at the lower level.
At a glance:
The Public Realm will deliver:-
- Improved station access from upper and lower levels
- Better train and bus facilities with much improved cycle access and provision for taxis will provide a multi modal interchange
- Real time travel information for trains and buses
- High quality materials, trees, and seats will deliver a better environment to work and live
