Improvements planned for Kettering's rail station

Improvements look set to be made at Kettering's railway station as part of the £1.5bn Midland Main Line upgrade.

Network Rail has applied for permission to make a number of ‘first phase’ alterations to the Grade II listed station.

They want to extend the length of the platforms to allow longer trains with a higher capacity to stop there, as well as altering current platforms to improve stepping distances and cross-falls.

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The plans also outline alterations to light columns, station cameras and public announcement systems.

A planning document said: “These works are part of a £1.5bn package of works to upgrade the Midland Main Line.

“The specific works that are proposed in this application will help to provide these elements:

• Longer platforms, for new and longer trains, which will increase the capacity of the services on the route to meet the growth in demand forecast for Kettering and other stations

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• Electrification of services to Corby, which will provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly service.

• Better safety and accessibility, by addressing non-compliant crossfalls and stepping distances on the platforms.”

Historic England, Wellingborough Council and Kettering Council had raised concerns the plans would cause ‘substantial harm’ to significance of the listed station.

But Network Rail say their updated designs have ‘sought to minimise the potential harm to the significance of listed structures in every possible way’.

Kettering’s train station dates back to 1857 although the station and its canopies were demolished and re-built between 1895-98.