Railways stations '˜will deliver thousands of jobs and homes'

Library pic: Culture Secretary John Whittingdale (centre) pictured with Sir Gary Verity and David Horne the MD for Virgin Trains East Coast, at York Station earlier this year.

Up to 10,000 new houses could be built across England as part of a railway station development scheme.

The Government has launched the regeneration project following the transformation of sites in Birmingham, Manchester and London.

York, Taunton and Swindon councils have already identified railway sites that could be used to deliver housing and other regeneration.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are delivering the biggest programme of rail improvements since the Victorian age and have seen the transformation of stations such as Birmingham New Street, Manchester Victoria and London King’s Cross.

“This will help deliver thousands of new homes and jobs and deliver a substantial return to the taxpayer.”

Local councils across the country are being called on by the Government to take part in the scheme.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: “Rail stations are a hub of communities, connectivity and commerce and should be making the most of their unique potential to attract investment and opportunities.

“With record numbers of people travelling by train, it makes sense to bring people closer to stations and develop sites that have space for thousands of new homes and offices.”