A plan to modernise Kidsgrove Train Station in Newcastle-under-Lyme is edging closer to formal approval.

The scheme, valued at £2.7 million, is set to be considered by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, which oversees £16.9 million in funding through the Kidsgrove Town Deal. The proposal has the backing of the Kidsgrove Town Deal Board and is being developed in partnership with East Midlands Railway and National Rail.

This updated approach comes after earlier modernisation proposals were halted due to complex historical mining issues, which would have required up to £13 million to resolve. The new plan offers a more cost-effective solution while still delivering significant improvements to the station and local rail services.

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The Board has now voted to move forward with a reduced project scope covering refurbishment of the railway station across three key areas – renovation of the main building, Island Building (platform two) and wider site enhancements – which removes the need for extensive and costly ground investigations, and any subsequent mitigation, required for a larger blueprint incorporating a transport interchange and larger car park.

The full works programme now includes:

• The refurbishment of the main station building including the waiting room, toilet facilities and kitchen as well as new windows and doors, timber cladding, air source heat pump and solar panels.

• Improved customer information screens and signage for clearer navigation.

Island Building (platform two) – renovated waiting room, information screens and creation of a community space for station adopter group.

• New cycle store with access control.

• Access improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Revised car park layout with disabled bays, EV charging and drop-off points.

• Upgrades to fencing and other visual improvements.