Saxmundham Station Building Plans

Now that plans to rebuild Saxmundham station have been given the go-ahead Greater Anglia has released an artist’s impression of what the building will look like after completion of the works.

The station suffered major damage when it was set on fire 12 February 2018. The upper floor and chimneys were determined to be structurally unsound; as a result they were dismantled for safety reasons.

The restoration plans calls for the station to be rebuilt as a single storey structure with a pitched roof. There will be a new passenger waiting room and new area for self-serve ticket machines. The interior of the rest of the building will initially be used by Greater Anglia to support the introduction of the new train fleet, but later for commercial or community use.

The plans will ensure much of the station’s historic character will be retained; the 160 year old building was the work of architect Francis Thompson who also designed several single storey rail stations.

The new facilities will make use of the previously vacant station building and see the installation of CCTV, free Wi-Fi, laptop and mobile phone charging points. The waiting room with provide comfortable seating and will be equipped with air conditioning.

In addition to the station building plans, Greater Anglia will also reconfigure and upgrade the station car park which will feature 51 parking spaces, several disabled spaces and motorcycle parking; improved CCTV will be installed and the area will be landscaped.

As part of the project, the northbound platform opposite the station be resurfaced and completely refurbished.

Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Director, Simone Bailey, said, “Seeing this lovely old building ravaged by fire in an arson attack was devastating. We initially thought that the entire building would have to be demolished. However, we’re pleased to have worked closely with the community, listening to their views and have come up with a solution that, although does not reinstate the entire building, keeps its character and improves the facilities there by opening the previously vacant building and giving it a new lease of life.”

Work on the scheme is scheduled to start in the new year.