Rail Minister opens Newcourt Station
Rail Minister Claire Perry has officially opened Newcourt Station today (Thursday 30 July).
The first train services stopped at the new £2.2 million station last month and it is now being served by a half-hourly local service on the Exmouth branch line.
The Minister visited the station today after announcing major rail improvements between Devon and London, with a £360 million investment in a new fleet of trains increasing capacity and cutting journey times.
Devon County Council has worked closely with the Department for Transport, Network Rail and First Great Western on the Newcourt Station scheme.
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 contributions from the Seabrook Orchards development.
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: "This new station is just one example of how we're reversing decades of historic underinvestment in areas like the South West. I was delighted to see for myself how Newcourt is making a huge difference to the local community, providing better journeys, improved connections to work and leisure, and helping to secure long-term economic growth."
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “The New Station Funding has been well used to provide this latest addition to the County Council’s Devon Metro. It’s another improvement to the county’s rail network, and provides further sustainable transport choices in Devon. Investing in better transport links will help continue the city’s growth, boosting the county’s economy while also helping to tackle congestion.”
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: “First Great Western is extremely proud of the communities we serve. We are very pleased to have been part of this project, led by Devon County Council, to open the first station in Devon for 20 years. The Exeter - Exmouth line is a very popular and busy line and the new station will connect the residents of Newcourt with jobs, shops and leisure opportunities across Devon and beyond.”
Exeter-based contractor Dyer and Butler carried out the work on behalf of Devon County Council.
