New King's Lynn railway station discussed as part of upgrade plans

It was hoped money from the failed northern leg of the HS2 railway line could fund the scheme

Talks are under way about the creation of a new Norfolk railway station as part of rail network upgrade plans.

The reconstruction of South Lynn station in King's Lynn, which closed to passengers 1959, was part of a strategy by the Eastern Powerhouse (EP).

It sets out how the second in station for the town could boost the area and strengthen links with Cambridge.

EP director James Palmer said the plan followed discussions with Network Rail and transport secretary Mark Harper.

King's Lynn railway station was supplemented by a second passenger station in South Lynn until the 1950s

The organisation, which aimed to drive economic growth and investment to the East of England - and is made up of MPs, councillors and business leaders - also wanted to upgrade several stations and develop them into "business hubs".

It hoped the scheme could be funded by cash previously earmarked for the failed northern leg of the HS2 railway line.

'In need of regeneration'

The South Lynn station would be built on the King's Lynn to London line, on land south of the A47, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Palmer said King's Lynn was identified after it received "several" responses to a call-out to councils about stations in need of investment.

"We have since been having discussions with West Norfolk Council about the potential for a second railway station for King's Lynn," he added.

"Improvement of railway stations is an example of our ambition to improve the transport network and are looking for stations lacking in trade and in need of regeneration.

"Creating a business hub within the locality is something we are exploring."

He added: "Eastern Powerhouse can only open doors.

"We will work with councils and support their discussions with central government to find ways to encourage growth."

'Lot of interest'

Terry Parish, leader of the independent, coalition-led Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, said there was strong support for the idea.

"A new railway station in West Winch would be ideal given the 4,000 homes intended to be built there," he said.

"Officers are moving forward with discussions with Eastern Powerhouse.

"There is a lot of interest among councillors and officers for such a station."

South Lynn station was on land which is now south of the Saddlebow roundabout and ran services to Norwich and the Midlands.

The area suggested for the new station is farmland, with much of it due to be developed in the coming years.

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