This project will deliver a new rail station at Edginswell, with two platforms on the line between Torquay and Exeter. The plans are based on consultation with the local community, businesses, and the rail industry.
It will improve access to Torbay Hospital, Edginswell Business Park, The Willows, and other nearby employment. It will also link the local communities in Shiphay and The Willows to the rail network.
Services to and from the station will link towards Paignton, Newton Abbot, Exeter and Exmouth.
A station in this area has been included within the local transport plan and Local Plan.
Funding
This project will be jointly funded using:
- Council funds
- Section 106 contributions
- Local Transport Capital Funding
- External grants
Delivering the project
Hochtief has been appointed by Network Rail to construct the new station.
In August 2023, Network Rail submitted a planning application for the construction of the new station with pedestrian access from the existing highway both to the north (Riviera Way) and the south (Newton Road).
The design of the railway station includes:
- Two platforms
- A fully accessible lift footbridge with elevated walkway to the north
- Infrastructure to include waiting shelter, lighting, CCTV, cycle parking (with shelter)
- Signage at Edginswell, Torquay, TQ2 7AH
The station design has changed since the previous application. The new design sees lifts on each platform, rather than access ramps either side – making the station more accessible to all passengers.
The council’s planning team will consider the application with a decision expected by the end of November 2023.
Project benefits
The new station will bring many benefits to Edginswell, Torquay and the surrounding area:
- A reliable public transport option for works and residents in the Torquay Gateway area.
- Reduced congestion and parking problems in the area.
- Reduced transport times in and out of the area.
Project challenges
There are funding challenges across all our capital projects. In most cases construction costs are now between 50 and 100% higher than what was originally estimated. Reasons for this include:
- Inflation
- Increasing material costs
- Brexit
- The economic fallout from the pandemic
We are working with our various delivery partners, funders, and potential investors to find solutions to ensure we can bring as many projects as we can forward.
Organisations working on the project
- Torbay Council
- TDA
- Network Rail
- Great Western Railway
