For too long, Pokesdown Station has been inaccessible for too many people in our community.

After years of campaigning, we’re finally making real progress. Following a meeting I convened at the station in September 2024, South Western Railway, Network Rail, and BCP Council have committed to delivering new lifts—ensuring that everyone, including disabled passengers, can travel with ease.

Where things stand:

The detailed design phase is now underway.

This phase is crucial for overcoming the station’s technical challenges—such as limited space—and confirming construction costs following recent rises. The design process is set to be completed by late summer 2025, after which we will be in a position to move forward with construction. 

If all goes according to plan, construction could begin by late 2025, with installation expected to take approximately 18 months. Throughout this process, I will be working closely with stakeholders to keep everything on track. 

Alongside the design work happening, South Western Railway have also committed to repainting the station’s interior, including the handrails and walls down to the platforms, cleaning the ticket hall, and adding planters to the platform to make it more visually appealing.

These are all small changes that massively improve the look of the station. Quick fixes, yes, but important ones to ensure the gateway to Boscombe, Pokesdown, and Southbourne is as inviting to passengers as possible.

Watch my latest update on Facebook.