MAIDENHEAD’S new “smart entrance” to the town was officially opened by Theresa May MP and a leading councillor.

Essential improvements to Maidenhead Station’s forecourt into a “modern transport hub” have been completed.

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The £3.75m upgrades, which was funded by the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal, include:

  • Secure cycle storage with 312 stands and a CCTV camera
  • A more accessible bus layby on the A308
  • Moved the parking to nearby Stafferton Way multi-storey parking lot
  • A new paved plaza
  • Added six disabled bays as well as motorcycle parking
  • A drop-off and pick-up point for commuters – with the taxi rank staying in its original location
  • Landscaping, including wider pathways, improved lighting, seating, and trees
The new drop-off and pick-up point and the original taxi rank

The new drop-off and pick-up point and the original taxi rank

This is to make the forecourt more user-friendly, more accessible, and to ensure the town is prepared for increased demand as a result of the opening of the Elizabeth Line.

RBWM lead member for transport and infrastructure councillor Gerry Clark, Maidenhead’s MP Theresa May, and colleagues from the local enterprise group, Great Western Rail group, and Volker Highways – which carried out the works – officially opened the forecourt on Monday, October 11.

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Speaking at the opening, Cllr Clark said: “Maidenhead station is actually one of the most used in Berkshire in 2019/20. It had 4.6 million footfalls.

“That number is set to grow considerably and that in itself we had to look at how we improve the infrastructure in terms of accessing the station and connecting with sustainable transport.

“The opening of the Elizabeth Line will increase the existing passenger numbers from four and a half to over five and a half million almost immediately next year, and that will be set to grow as time progresses.

“It was clear that major development and improvements were necessary, and I’m delighted to see this is now available, from today to both visitors and residents.”

Theresa May shaking hands with Tom Pierpoint, businesses development director of GWR

Theresa May shaking hands with Tom Pierpoint, businesses development director of GWR

Mrs May added: “It’s a very smart entrance to Maidenhead station where it gives a very good entrance to the town. And crucially, this is not just about the station, it’s about linking up those walkways through the town, so we have a much more consistent and coherent approach to people using the services here.”