AN AMBITIOUS multi-million pound scheme to improve rail links between Nuneaton and Coventry is a step closer.
A planning application for the £19.2million project, which would create a new rail station at Bermuda Park, have formally been submitted.
Warwickshire County Council has received the proposals, which covers the provision of a new station including two platforms, waiting shelters, stairs and ramps, a ticket machine, CCTV, cycle parking and 30 car park spaces.
Bermuda Park Rail Station is part of the Coventry to Nuneaton Rail Upgrade scheme, which is known locally as NUCKLE.
The project also includes a new bay platform at Coventry Railway Station, a new station at the Ricoh Arena and platform extensions at Bedworth Rail Station.
The frequency of trains between Coventry and Nuneaton will also be increased so there is one every 30 minutes.
The planning application is now set to go before Warwickshire’s Regulatory Committee on August 21.
If it is given the green light then the next stage of the project is to find a principal contractor.
Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said:“The submission of the planning application for Bermuda Park station is a welcome landmark for the project.
“It marks a step forward towards delivering a new station in the area which will provide better access for residents to jobs, shops, leisure facilities and to the future Friargate development located next to Coventry station.
“I am confident it will also help attract further new investment into the Bermuda Park area.
“The wider NUCKLE scheme will bring real benefits for communities in Nuneaton and Bedworth and offer new public transport links to the Ricoh Arena and Coventry city centre.”
Last December the Department for Transport approved a joint bid by Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Centro, the Integrated Transport Authority for the West Midlands for £9.75million towards NUCKLE with the rest being funded by the three partners.
A total of £3.5million of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has also been secured towards the scheme.
