GREAT Western Railway has released an update of progress on the station development on Oxford Road.
The Reading West Station site is currently undergoing major renovations including the construction of a new station building.
GWR is working with Reading Borough Council, Network Rail, and the Berkshire LEP to improve the safety and level of services at the station.
It says the Tilehurst Road entrance is due for completion “in the next couple of weeks,” though the ticket gates will still be subject to work.
It is expected that the Oxford Road entrance will be undergoing works until April next year.
A steel frame has been fitted on the Oxford Road side of the station, which will become part of the new building.
The £4.1 million development will see the addition of a ticket hall, CCTV, and a retail outlet, as well as new gates at both entrances.
GWR business development portfolio director Tom Pierpoint said: “The installation of the station building’s steel frame really does feel like a milestone moment and it’s exciting to see work moving at such a quick pace.
“We’ve been working very closely with Reading Borough Council and Network Rail to deliver this transformation and we hope customers will be pleased with the results as the new-look station continues to take shape during the winter.”
Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, Tony Page, said: “Residents will be pleased to see the new station building at Reading West begin to take shape, which follows the Council’s own preparatory works earlier this year.
“When complete, residents and regular commuters can look forward to a much-improved and safer station environment, delivered through the design and operation of Reading West.
“Aside from the brand-new station building, this will include new ticket gates to limit station access to paying customers, new lighting, CCTV, toilets, a retail facility and better waiting areas.
“I am additionally pleased that local residents approaching from Southcote and the Tilehurst Road side will soon be able to access Reading West again, and we thank them for their patience while these improvement works take place.”
Berkshire LEP Chief Executive, Alison Webster, said: “It’s fantastic to see progress at Reading West station.
“This scheme is a great opportunity to deliver more than transport benefits through developing the station into a focal point for the local community.
“Reading West station will now be able to act as a catalyst for wider development and regeneration, including Oxford Road itself and the Portman Road Employment Area.”
Network Rail industry programme director of Heathrow & Thames Valley Joanna Grew said: “It’s really pleasing to see the progress being made on the new station building at Reading West.
“The Thames Valley rail corridor is a very busy part of the rail network serving many commuters and local residents and the prospect of this transformed station opening next spring is very exciting.”
