Spencer Rail has completed a £1.5m refurbishment project at Carlisle station.
The new station, which now features step-free access to platforms and provides easier access for passengers with reduced mobility, luggage and children, was opened this week by the Mayor of Carlisle, councillor Ray Bloxham.
“I am delighted that Carlisle City Council has been able to support this project, in assisting with the development of the scheme,” he said.
“It now means that Carlisle station enjoys full step-free access to all platforms – a benefit to everyone.”
Work started on the project, which was funded by the Department for Transport, on July 13 and was completed on April 7 and handed back to Network Rail.
The works have included the refurbishment of the lifts on Platform 3 and Platform 4 to provide step-free access for all routes between platforms as part of the national Access for All programme.
A disused subway, which was historically used as an old Post Office parcel subway, has also been refurbished and brought back to life for the public to view.
The existing lift shafts have been kept and refurbished to include fire protection.
A new floor has been installed in the subway and the walls stripped back and refurbished.
The rails used by Post Office trains have also been kept to match the existing carriages.
David McLaughlin, project director at Spencer, said: “We are delighted to be able to reopen Carlisle station, with the help of the Mayor of Carlisle, to the public.
“The works Spencer Rail has carried out has increased the station’s accessibility and brought one of its hidden but fascinating features back to life.”
