Business in Reading - Network Rail proposals for Reading Station

Network Rail Proposals Are Next Step Forward in Station Renewal Says MP

10th September 2008

Rob Wilson, Member of Parliament for Reading East, has today welcomed Network Rail’s proposals for Reading Station.

Rob said, “This is another small but important step in delivering a very important and strategic project which is important to Reading, but is also crucial to the West Country, Wales and the national rail network. Personally I am delighted – this scheme has had to be given the ‘kiss of life’ more than once in the 3 and half years I’ve been an MP, so seeing it come to fruition makes it all worthwhile.”

“However, potential pitfalls still remain – the shocking state of the Government’s finances could mean that projects such as this are vulnerable to delay and even cancellation. With a record borrowing requirement over the next 18 months, there will be some projects that suffer and we need to ensure that this is not one of them.

“I also believe that we need to ensure that the transport infrastructure around the station is able to cope. Traffic flows, parking and public transport all need to be thoroughly planned for (not like the one-way IDR for example) and cycling provision needs to be massively improved. It is important that this boost to the national economy doesn’t have a negative impact on the quality of life of my constituents, simply due to poor preparation and planning.”

The new station is being ‘future-proofed’ for Crossrail and many in the industry believe the scheme will almost certainly have its terminus at Reading.

Rob added, “It is right to future-proof for Crossrail, but we do not want it in its current form. We only want Crossrail if it adds to service levels and that’s not the case as it is currently configured. At the moment, it is far more important for Reading to get a direct connection with Heathrow, which should be cheaper and economically far more attractive.”