The second round of the New Stations Fund sees up to £20m allocated to projects to open railway stations on the national rail network in England and Wales. The first round supported the opening of five railway stations. Three have been opened and the other two are due to open shortly.
There are a number of contenders for this funding. The first round saw thirteen applications for funding and a number of groups organisations have progressed campaigns and studies into other candidates.
So who are the contenders!
Haxby
Located on the York to Scarborough railway line, this station did not receive funding during the first round of the New Stations Fund. Regardless, the proposal remains a strong candidate, having been pushed as a likely station project in the Leeds City Region.
Wixams
Located on the Midland Mainline, this station is subject to frustration from residents of new build housing estates who were promised a railway station. Developments have not progressed as fast as expected here, so potentially it could miss out. However, stakeholders were meeting to look at ways to cover the £12m funding gap. Is it too much?
Warrington West
Struggling with a shortfall of funding, this proposal could be a likely winner. The station surprised many when it made it on to the map for services of the new Northern Rail franchise. The local authority has been pushing this project through the required studies over the last few years.
Worcestershire Parkway
Following the recent resolution of the land ownership issues, only money stands between this station and an opening date. There are concerns that the station may struggle attract the required train services to ensure that it opens.
Belford
Located north of Chathill, this station was a contender for opening. With an infrequent service and only a single platform, it could be a low cost addition. However, a number of issues have put this proposal on the back burner. Could an injection of government cash unlock the potential of this site.
Horton Sea View/Peterlee
Another station quietly moving through the studies is a proposed station serving Peterlee on the Newcastle to Sunderland Coast line. The council are unlikely to ignore an opportunity like this to invest in this area.
Portway Park and Ride
One of the proposed stations to enhance the MetroWest project is Portway Park and Ride. With the P&R already in place, it could be a relatively low cost addition, although it may struggle with abstraction from existing passenger transport services. It has completed GRIP 2 and funding is in place to deliver GRIP 3.
Cranbrook East
Hot on the heels of Cranbrook is Cranbrook East. The long term developments of this area could bring a demand for a second railway station. Proposals are in an early stage but they are already being considered by the relevant authorities. Unlikely contender with others in a better position in this area.
Edginswell
Very likely with some funding already in place. Whilst the station is desired, the proposed car park has been rejected by local residents and the planning committee. Expected opening date is December 2018.
Reading Green Park
A possibility with the station part funded as part of a local growth deal. Costs have increased when higher passenger forecasts required more facilities to be provided here.
Crosshills and Kildwick
Located on the Airedale line, this station has been a long held ambition for some. It sits awkwardly just over the border from West Yorkshire, which has left it without the required support. However, the inclusion of Craven in the Leeds City region made it a sure fire inclusion in the top four station projects. An outside chance with strong candidates located elsewhere in the region and a ticketing problem being located on the wrong side of the border.
East Leeds Parkway
Where is East Leeds Parkway going to go is a question expected to be answered shortly by a report to the local transport authority. There are two options with one being Thorpe Park and a second being near Micklefield. Potentially the other strong candidates in the region with stronger business cases leaves this one as unlikely
Maghull North
Located on the Merseyrail network, this station should be funded from the local growth fund and the Housing and Communities Agency. It is unlikely to apply.
Bow Street
A project that has been moving through studies recently has been the proposed station serving Bow Street. Outline plans are almost ready to be submitted, putting this station in the ideal position of being virtually shovel ready. If the potential time tabling issues are resolved, this could be the strongest Welsh contender.
Cullompton
With £100k committed by the local councils last month to develop early plans, this station could be a contender to enhance the rail network around Exeter.
Ashington/Bedlington
Added to the Northern Rail franchising bid documents as an option to cost, Ashington and Bedlington are potential candidates. Bedlington lies a few short miles beyond the head shunt that Morpeth trains use between services. Ashington would require the creation of a new rail service up the Blyth and Tyne. An active campaign group could help put the case together for funding.
Ashton Gate
Located on the Portishead line, this station is a strong candidate for funding. It could be constructed as part of the works to open the Portishead line to passenger traffic and be ready for the deadline set by the NSF requirements.
Saltford
Located near Bath, this is one of three stations proposed to serve the MetroWest network that is not fully funded. The station has strong local support from the station action group.
Corsham
Located between Bath and Chippenham, this is one of three stations proposed to serve the MetroWest network that is not fully funded.
Stonehouse (Bristol Road)
With strong support from residents and the local MP, this station would provide a direct link to Bristol and Birmingham for residents of Stonehouse.
Langport and Somerton
Commendable efforts are being made by the local media to drive forward the campaign to open the railway stations serving Somerton and Langport.
Wantage and Grove
There is local support for a station serving here although it does not appear that any outline business cases have recently been completed. Without this, the railway station is an outside chance.
Leeds Bradford Airport
Highly unlikely but with a similar BCR to a direct link to the airport, a railway station near the airport on the Harrogate line could be a potential candidate if the local transport authority performs a U-turn on their conclusions from the recent report into surface access to Leeds Bradford Airport.
Elland
Long proposed since the line through Brighouse opened in the year 2000. It managed to make the top four proposals with the main difficulties being the delivery of a railway station at an elevated site and the provision of step free access. This is another of the four candidates in the Leeds City Region that could get funding.
Middlewich
Just weeks away from publishing a business case, this candidate sits closed as Virgin Voyagers crawl past during weekend diversions. If the infrastructure concerns (mainly line speed) can be mitigated and trains sourced to run the additional service required, Middlewich could be a candidate.
Halton Chord
The new service could bring a new railway station to serve the area due to be transformed by the new bridge over the Mersey. Without a service already in place it will be difficult to model likely demands particularly with so many transport changes due in this area.