Station on the right track for brighter future

It will undergo extensive changes, including the creation of a new ticket office, a waiting lounge for passengers and a new retail kiosk.

Access to the platforms and trains also will be improved, particularly for the disabled, by the installation of lifts.

However, wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility have been advised to use alternative stations until the improvements are finished.

Temporary facilities are being built which will be used from mid-March when the main station will close.

A temporary footbridge will be installed to allow access to platform two, but that will have steps and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), the organisation responsible for public transport in the county and which is behind the scheme, said that meant it would be unsuitable for those with mobility difficulties.

Rail services will continue to operate as normal from the station throughout the construction period.

David Young, director of customer experience at SYPTE, said: "Passengers deserve state-of-the-art facilities and the new station at Rotherham will provide a safe and secure environment for people to start and finish their journeys.

"SYPTE has worked hard recently on better connecting the town centre through public transport and the launch of the Freebee last year ensures people can get around the town easily for free.

"With the redevelopment of the station we are improving another means of public transport within a development which will serve as a valuable function, making Rotherham better connected."

SYPTE has been given help from regeneration bodies to finance the scheme. Regeneration bodies Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) have both contributed towards the 8.5m cost.

Malcolm Taylor, of Yorkshire Forward, who manages the investment of ERDF, said: "European support is essential, especially in the current economic climate for projects like this to go ahead.

"Yorkshire Forward and Europe are pleased to be involved, working in partnership to regenerate the town for Rotherham and local people and provide rail passengers with a superb facility on completion."

Railway company Northern Rail and Network Rail are also involved in the project.

Rotherham Council will also contribute to the impact of the changes by improving the public space around the station.

That will include creating a new terraced area and viewing platform, overlooking the nearby canal, and a new footpath towards the former Guest and Chrimes site.

Those changes should improve pedestrian links to the new civic building and the new football stadium proposed for the area.

There are also plans to bury a time capsule in the foundations of the new building. Its contents will be decided after public consultation has been carried out.

Coun Gerald Smith, the authority's planning and economic development spokesman, said: "Almost half a million people a year use the station so this project is a real boost for Rotherham town centre.

"The new improved gateway will complement a range of projects started, or soon to start, as part of the Renaissance programme.

"The innovative design for the station has the potential to be a landmark, a symbol of the Renaissance ambitions as well as a means of attracting more jobs to the centre and providing Rotherham people with a public transport facility they can be proud of."

Rotherham Council is involved in a series of ambitious development schemes which are aimed at revitalising the town centre, with new homes, offices and shops.

Those needing details of alternative stations, and travel details to reach those stations, are available from the SYPTE Traveline, telephone 01709 515151.