10,000 Homes to be Built Around Stations

Image courtesy of Network Rail

The UK Communities Secretary Greg Clark has announced a development programme of train stations and surrounding land, providing thousands of jobs and new homes in a bid to increase local economic growth. The initiative is part of an agreement between Network Rail and the Homes and Communities Agency working with local councils to explore development opportunities around England’s train stations.

It is hoped that the initiative will deliver up to 10,000 new homes in 20 local authorities. York, Taunton and Swindon councils are the first to express an interest in the scheme, putting forward proposals.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:

“We’re determined to fire up communities and back local business so they build much needed housing and create thousands of jobs. Rail stations are a hub of communities, connectivity and commerce and should be making the most of their unique potential to attract investment and opportunities.
“With record numbers of people travelling by train, it makes sense to bring people closer to stations and develop sites that have space for thousands of new homes and offices.
“This new initiative will bring about a step change in development and ensure we go further and faster in putting these rail sites to good use.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

“We are delivering the biggest programme of rail improvements since the Victorian age and have seen the transformation of stations such as Birmingham New Street, Manchester Victoria and London Kings Cross.
“As a one nation government we are determined to ensure further opportunities are grasped to put stations at the heart of wider community regeneration. This will help deliver thousands of new homes and jobs and deliver a substantial return to the taxpayer.
“I’m pleased to see that exciting visions for regeneration at Swindon, Taunton and York are being developed, with the potential for hundreds of additional homes and new businesses. I look forward to seeing how Network Rail and the Homes and Communities Agency’s excellent work on these projects develop.”