First trains arrive at Newcourt Station
The first service to arrive at the station was from Exeter St David’s, pulling up at 05:56, followed by a train from Exmouth, which arrived at 06:29.
Devon County Council has worked closely with the Department for Transport, Network Rail and First Great Western on the £2.2 million scheme, which has developed a complete new station facility over the past eight months.
The station has been part-funded with £741,000 from the Department for Transport’s New Station Fund. It is one of five stations awarded funding nationally, following a successful bid by the County Council. The rest of the scheme costs were funded by developer contributions.
The station, which will be served by a half-hourly local service on the Exmouth branch line, has a ticket machine, passenger information system, cycle parking, disabled parking spaces and CCTV. The station is linked to Old Rydon Lane via a footpath which provides a direct route to Sandy Park rugby stadium.
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “We are investing record amounts in building a world-class rail network, with more than £38 billion being spent between 2014 and 2019 as part of our long-term economic plan. The new station at Newcourt will make a real difference to the local community, by helping people access work and leisure, and boosting the regional economy. This is great news for the area.”
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “Newcourt Station is a vital element of our County Council’s Devon Metro initiative to improve the county's rail network. It's also part of our strategy to improve sustainable transport links across Exeter and will help to tackle congestion. The New Station Funding has been key in making this scheme possible, and this station will be a major asset to encourage people to travel by rail, particularly for the residents in the 3,500 homes allocated for this part of the city.”
Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail’s managing director for the Western route, said: “We’re delighted to have been part of the team delivering this station for the people of Exeter. Now it is in operation, it will make journeys by rail easier and quicker for the many passengers travelling for business and leisure in this dynamic city.”
Dan Okey, First Great Western Regional Development Manager, West, said: “Dedicated to the communities we serve, we are delighted to see the opening of this station and investment being seen in Devon rail services. With over 1.6 million passenger journeys a year on this popular line, we recognise the value of rail to the local and national economy and look forward to welcoming all to Newcourt.”
The development of the station has been carried out by Exeter-based contractor Dyer and Butler.
A formal opening ceremony will be held at a later date.
