Octavius Infrastructure has successfully completed the Access for All (AfA) project at Barnes Station, a Grade II listed station in Richmond upon Thames.
Following over a year of construction, the station has been transformed into an accessible station, through which all passengers can travel easily. The station, originally opened in 1856, now boasts a new two-spans uncovered footbridge at the eastern end of the existing canopy, three lifts and three new sets of staircases. The lifts and staircases will serve each of the outside platforms as well as the central island platform. Other new features include new wayfinding signage, lighting and security cameras around the bridge. Together these enhancements make it possible for all passengers, and especially those who require step-free access and an obstacle free journey to easily continue their journey to and from platforms.
As part of Octavius’s ongoing commitment to delivering social value and leaving a lasting sustainable legacy, the project team contributed over £3,600 to the local community throughout the project. A highlight of these efforts was a volunteer day at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) in Barnes, alongside supply chain partner Brendon Keogh. The project team forged a strong relationship with the Wetlands Centre; collaborating closely to minimise disruption to the local area. Notably, the centre’s facilities were utilised as a turning point for vehicles delivering steelwork, helping to ease congestion on surrounding roads. In appreciation of the centre’s support, the project team dedicated a day to clearing vegetation along the centre’s electric fence line – a crucial task for protecting wildlife.
Accessible stations play a vital role in improving travel experience for everyone. They make it easier for people to visit friends, commute to work, and particularly benefit individuals with health conditions or impairments, parents with young children, older adults, and those carrying heavy luggage or shopping. Inclusive rail enhancements also support the local economy as they lead to fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions.
The Access for All programme, supported by Network Rail in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) was launched in 2006 as part of the Government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy, aiming to remove barriers to travel.
Octavius Infrastructure currently has £65 million worth of AfA projects in various stages of development, from design to construction and service entry. In total Octavius has transformed accessibility at more than 30 stations across the UK as part of the AfA programme. Barnes Station is the sixth completed project in Octavius’s current AfA portfolio, following successful upgrades at Motspur Park, Stoneleigh, Isleworth and Walton-on-Thames stations.
Isayas Tecleberhan, Octavius Framework Director Rail said:
“We’re delighted to have made another station in the UK accessible for all communities and I am immensely proud of the Octavius Rail team’s achievement in making Barnes Station more accessible. A massive thank you to our trusted supply chain partners for their support and the travelling public for their patience during the construction period.
