'Significant milestone' of £2.6m station upgrades

Some of the projects included restoration work in the historic Victorian booking halls at Battle and Margate stations

Southeastern and Network Rail Alliance have completed upgrades totalling £2.6m as part of their stations' improvement programme.

The programme, which began in 2023 and saw upgrades made at more than 20 stations in Kent, East Sussex and Greater London, was described as a "significant milestone" by the train operator.

The work delivered better facilities, improved accessibility, upgraded waiting areas, and refreshed station environments, said Southeastern.

Some of the projects included restoration work in the historic Victorian booking halls at Battle and Margate stations.

The access ramp leading to platform one at Canterbury East was refurbished

At Maze Hill station the ticket office was refurbished and a women's toilet was installed on one of the busiest platforms at Orpington stations.

There was also work to support Access for All schemes at stations, including upgrading the accessible toilets at Bexley and Herne Bay, adding step-free waiting rooms, and universal toilets at Petts Wood.

The access ramp leading to platform one at Canterbury East was refurbished, and a new accessible toilet was also installed at Hither Green station.

The funding package covered design work for a series of further enhancements that the Alliance is looking to complete in the future at several stations, including Beckenham Junction and New Cross in London and Canterbury West and Faversham in Kent.

David Wornham, Southeastern’s passenger services director, said: “These upgrades will make a real difference to passengers, whether it’s easier accessibility, modernised facilities, or simply a more pleasant station environment.

“We know how important these enhancements are to the communities we serve, and we’re proud to work in alliance with Network Rail to deliver a better experience for everyone who travels with us."