Plans have now been submitted to bring step-free access to both platforms at Pokesdown Station.
The proposal from Network Rail would allow former goods lifts to be converted into passenger lifts, creating an accessible route from the station entrance to both platforms and between platforms used by passenger trains.
The application was submitted to BCP Council on 13 April under reference P/26/01669/PROTH.
The project follows a long-running campaign to have lifts installed at the station, which began in 2011 but has faced repeated delays. An earlier version of the scheme included wider station upgrades, such as improvements to CCTV, seating, shelter, walkways and the forecourt, but it has now been reduced to lift installation works.
Planning documents say the plans include associated infrastructure, a lift motor room on platform one for new equipment, and a new motor room on platform two beneath the existing staircase. New canopies are also proposed between parts of the platform and at the lift entrances to “ensure those using the lifts are protected from adverse weather conditions”.
Other works would include resurfaced walkways, perch seating, replacement fencing, repainting to the footbridge and stairs, new handrails and tactile paving. The application is expected to be decided by officers once consultation on the proposal has finished.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.