Network Rail has announced that it plans to bring forward concourse improvements as part of a €60m upgrade of the station and tracks at Gatwick Airport, to be complete in time for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.Major construction work was planned to start in Autumn 2012, but some work is expected to be deliverd early, including:
- Changing the concourse layout to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion
- Improvements to the customer information screens and customer help point
- Enhancing the retail facilities
- Renewing the floor, ceiling, wall tiles and lighting to provide a better station environment
Mark Ruddy, Network Rail's route director for Sussex, said: "By bringing forward the concourse enhancements, Gatwick Airport station will become one of over 10 major railway upgrades which will be completed in time for the Olympics. This will not only help with the smooth running of next summer's events, it will leave a long-lasting and valuable legacy."
Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport, said: "We are delighted that a newly refurbished station concourse will be ready for our passengers to enjoy ahead of the Olympics next year. This will not only complement the improvements we are already making to the airport through our £1 billion investment programme but it will also add to the great welcome we will be offering our passengers, providing a smooth and efficient experience through our airport and facilitating a positive onward journey."
Chris Brooks, Southern's head of stations said: "This is good news for passengers. Visitors to the Olympics and regular Gatwick Airport station users will all benefit tremendously from the early completion of these improvements."
Designs for the concourse improvements are currently being finalised and work schedules are being re-organised to meet the proposed new timescales. It is hoped work could start in early 2012.
