'A sense of arrival' plan for city station

The re-modelling of the station is part of a £29m improvement plan

A scheme to transform an area in front of a city railway could be given the green light by council planners later in December.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said it hoped the work would provide passengers with “a sense of arrival”.

It said the plans form part of a £29m programme aimed at improving travel between the station and city centre in Hanley.

If they are approved, work on the project will start in the new year.

Meanwhile, work has already begun on sections of College Road, including widening footpaths, new cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings.

The council said it would encourage active travel by providing a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing congestion and improving access for buses.

The council said the scheme would encourage active travel by providing a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists

A statue of Josiah Wedgwood will also be moved to a more prominent location as part of the scheme.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the scheme would make a big difference.

“We hope to encourage walking and cycling by providing dedicated spaces as well as more sustainable travel by rail and bus,” he said.

“We appreciate there’ll be some disruption and thank people for their patience while this transformation takes shape.”

Station manager Laura Harper confirmed the main entrance would stay open as normal during the work, and the Winton Square drop-off will also stay open.

She said people leaving their car for the day would need to use the rear of the building, however.

Ms Harper said: “We strongly advise if you’re travelling to or from Stoke during this period, you check the local authority website for the latest updates and allow extra time for your journey to the station.”

Between January and October, there will be one-way traffic on Station Road from its junction with College Road to its junction with Leek Road in that direction.