Allow extra time to park at Chippenham, warns GWR as station improvements continue

Planned improvements to Chippenham station have led operator GWR to warn customers to allow a little extra time to get to/from the station car park on Cocklebury Road over the next few weeks.

Drivers are being warned that work to the station forecourt and car park junctions with Cocklebury Road could increase journey times to the station by around 5-10 minutes at busy times.

Construction remains ongoing on the Chippenham Station Square Redevelopment project spearheaded by Great Western Railway. The scheme seeks to overhaul the current south side forecourt by improving walking routes linking to the nearby college buildings and creating more public transport capacity.

A 200-space cycle hub with CCTV will also be provided alongside a new bus stop, passenger shelters, a taxi rank, and upgrades to the long-stay disabled parking and the appearance of the area.

GWR's Chippenham Station Manager Oana Apetroaie said:

"Continuing to invest in the communities we serve, we are really pleased to be able to start the next phase of improvements at Chippenham. 

"Chippenham is a really important station for both residents and visitors and we are delighted to have worked with Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership; Wiltshire Council, and Network Rail to deliver further improvements. 

"Unfortunately, as this work progresses, temporary traffic lights will need to be used whilst we carry our roadworks outside the station on Cocklebury Road, and those driving to the station should allow a little extra time to access the station car parks. Parking on the north site of the station off Hathaway remains unaffected."

The current short stay car park has been closed. During construction the short stay/Pick Up and Drop Off facilities have been relocated to within the long stay car park.

During part of the works, buses and taxis will temporarily relocate to the current short stay car park area while the current bus/taxi part of the forecourt is enhanced.

The south side forecourt works follow a series of improvements already been at Chippenham station as part of an ongoing focus which links into a masterplan jointly envisaged with Wiltshire Council and local partners.

This has included the introduction of lifts, a new bridge, ticket gatelines, and enhancements around the station building. The north side works were completed between January and April 2023 and consisted of improvements to the north side blue badge parking, improvements to station car park approach and the rotation of the overbridge stairs to improve safety in the area.

Sam Howell, Director Highways and Transport, Wiltshire Council, added: "We are really pleased to see the next stage of improvements taking place, especially as it complements the £1.98million package of transport measures previously completed by the council to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to Chippenham railway station. The latest important work will help develop safe access for all visitors and residents using this busy station."