Rail station’s official opening arrives... 18 months late

Bosses at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) first started work in February 2010, and said work would be complete by the following December.

But the Platform for Change – Redeveloping Rotherham Railway Station scheme did not run to schedule and the completion date was moved back to summer 2011 and then to the following autumn.

By last December, work was still not complete, and the town’s MP Denis MacShane launched an outspoken attack on SYPTE managers, saying the project was like “something from the Soviet era”.

Mr MacShane said he had written to Ms Greening, who comes from Rotherham, asking her to intervene to find out why the development at the station became mired in such long hold-ups and to ensure the work was finished swiftly.

Even a promised Easter completion date was missed, and a spokesman for SYPTE said in May that although passenger facilities had been open since late February, building contractors were still on site working on removing bridges and other temporary structures.

Officials said the overrun had been caused by a number of factors, with many delays being caused because the station had to remain open while the rebuild took place. Other excuses were severe weather, extra structural work not in the original plan and demolition delays.

Landscaping work still has to be completed, but Ms Greening said yesterday: “The rebuilding of Rotherham’s railway station will deliver real benefits for passengers and the wider community.

“It will boost competitiveness, stimulate the local economy and showcase Rotherham as a vibrant town with many exciting opportunities for new businesses.”

David Young, SYPTE’s director of customer experience, said: “We are delighted the Secretary of State has agreed to open the rebuilt station at Rotherham.

“It is certainly a vast improvement on what was there before and we are very pleased with the excellent feedback we have had from customers thus far.”

The opening was also attended by Coun Gerald Smith, who represents Rotherham Council at the South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, said: “These improved facilities certainly provide a better first impression of Rotherham for rail travellers.

Funding for the station is largely from the European Regional Development Fund while others involved were Rotherham Council, Network Rail, Northern Rail, Yorkshire Forward and the Department for Transport.