Central Station Interchange is open!

The £5.5 million improvements to Southampton Central Station Interchange have now been completed

The project, which commenced in early 2023, was a partnership between South Western Railway, who contributed £1.3 million along with government funding, Network Rail and Southampton City Council with their highways partner, Balfour Beatty Living Places, and contractor, Octavius, formerly known as R&W.

The station is a key gateway into our city and these improvements enhance the arrival experience for everyone choosing to travel by rail; from cruise guests and visitors to the city to regular commuters.

Onward journeys have been made easier with a range of sustainable travel options made available such as e-scooters and e-bikes as well as an additional bus stop and improved pedestrian connectivity across the forecourt.

The revamp has introduced new features at the station, including a cruise passenger waiting lounge catered to provide comfort for travellers passing through. Developed and designed for cruise guests arriving by rail, the waiting lounge is open for all.

The unique design seamlessly blends with the main station’s art deco style, featuring a streamlined and stylised aesthetic. Additionally, the lounge boasts a green roof that not only enhances its visual appeal but provides a habitat for several plants and insects. It also increases biodiversity in the area.

Taxi drivers and their passengers will benefit from enhanced taxi facilities, in the form of an improved, new taxi rank which provides space for up to five vehicles in a dedicated area of the forecourt. This is complemented with a waiting area on Western Esplanade which provides capacity for up to 10 vehicles. The forecourt also boasts upgraded parking for people with disabilities and 20-minute parking bays with the premium parking allocated immediately to the west of the forecourt.

The modernisation works also include changes to the forecourt’s entrance and exit, and pedestrian improvements along Western Esplanade including an upgraded toucan crossing and footway improvements. These works enhance connections for people walking and wheeling to the city centre, the port, and the wider area.

Real-time information will be displayed that can provide a range of messages such as cruise and train information and better access to sustainable travel options through new bus facilities including dedicated bus stops providing improved bus accessibility. People walking and wheeling will benefit from improved access with dedicated crossing points within the forecourt.