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Rochester station to be moved in major plans by Network Rail

Commuters react to the emergency Southeastern timetable at Rochester station on Wednesday morning
Commuters react to the emergency Southeastern timetable at Rochester station on Wednesday morning

Rochester rail station is set to be rebuilt in a massive £26m investment, it's been revealed.

Network Rail is to move the busy station from its High Street location to the Corporation Street area of the town - and it could all be completed within three years.

It's part of a scheme to invest £37bn across a number of projects throughout the UK.

The aim of the Rochester plan is to allow the station to cope with greater passenger numbers, as soon as winter 2015.

Jon Crampton from Network Rail said it is great news for Kent, with passenger numbers in the county predicted to grow by around 30% by 2022.

He said: “It’ll provide a better station that can accommodate longer trains to provide more seats for higher number passengers.”

Network Rail is thought to be looking to submit planning applications later this year.

He added: “We have rough timetables. It’s very much dependent on the planning process and getting approval from the local authority.

"Once we have that we can put the wheels into motion and deliver a far better station to meet the need of its passengers.”

Southeastern trains welcomed today's news, saying it's committed to proposals which will help drive the local economy.

“We welcome the investment and improvement works set out today by Network Rail.

"We’re working in an alliance to improve rail services in Kent and south east London and this strategic plan builds on the large amount of work that has been completed and currently under way."

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