A formal application for the £20m redevelopment of Lurgan train station into a “a new modern, fit for purpose station” has now been submitted, which would also see the creation of several jobs.
The plans submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council by Translink request permission for the demolition of the existing Lurgan train station – located off William Street – as well as the old Musgrave Marketplace building.
In its place, proposals outline the erection of a new railway passenger facility, increased park and ride capacity, a new sheltering canopy on both platforms and a pedestrian/cycle bridge linking the station building and platforms across the 1.69 hectare site.
The plans also indicate that the existing 144 car parking spaces would be increased to a total of 206.
A Design and Access Statement accompanying the application explains that the new 520sqm station would be of “high-quality design, over two floors of accommodation with an integral link bridge over the lines”.
The new accommodation would provide for waiting areas, toilets, ticket sales and a café and would also increase waiting area passenger capacity to accommodate 100 passengers, including seating for 50.
Related: Public events planned as £20m Lurgan Train Station takes significant step forward
Externally, there would also be the construction of two new access junctions to the south of the station on Brownlow Terrace, provision of secure cycle parking for 20 bicycles and one bus stand at the bus turning circle.
In support of the application, the Design and Access Statement adds: “The environmental quality of the site will be enhanced through a high-quality landscaping and design approach, which improves the visual amenity and user experience of the site for passengers and staff, residential amenity of the surrounding properties is protected through careful design including acoustic barrier fencing.
“The site will be highly accessible by all members of society including those with disabilities including a new accessible bridge linking the platforms.
“The development is also accessible by various modes of transport including by foot, bicycle and bus. Improved facilities are provided including additional parking, cycle parking and sheltered canopies under both platforms.”
Welcoming progress on the scheme back in October 2023, Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson, said: “This investment presents a huge opportunity for Lurgan and must be accompanied by more frequent and late-night services to boost our night-time economy.
“Given our climate targets, we must ensure a greater proportion of infrastructure spending is reallocated to public transport projects to both reduce our carbon footprint and deliver cleaner, greener local communities.
“I look forward with excitement to seeing this much needed infrastructure project come to fruition.”
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
Subject to securing final approval, the availability of funding, along with other statutory approvals, the opening of the new station is currently planned for 2029.
Check out the full gallery of artist impression images below:
