£5.5m project transforms Flint’s historic railway station
Rail passengers in Flint now have step-free access between platforms after a £5.5 million upgrade to improve accessibility at the station.
The new lifts were officially opened on Thursday 2 October by Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales. He joined representatives from Network Rail, Transport for Wales, Flint Town Council and local stakeholders to mark the completion of the project.
The work was funded through the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme and delivered by contractor AmcoGiffen. As well as new lifts, the upgrade included a range of wider improvements, such as new tactile surfaces and emergency refuge points on platforms, reconfigured car parking for easier access, upgraded lighting, and the repositioning of the landmark foot sculpture, which forms part of the National Cycle Network in Wales.
The investment means passengers who find steps a barrier can now move easily between platforms 1 and 2. It also completes a significant section of step-free travel along the North Wales Coast Line, with all stations served by Avanti West Coast between Holyhead and London now offering accessible interchange.
Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “Making our railway more accessible is one of the most important things we can do. Step-free access benefits everyone – disabled people, those travelling with children, passengers carrying luggage – simply making it an easier journey for all.
“At Flint, we’re proud to have delivered this multi-million-pound transformation safely, and in partnership with the Department for Transport, Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, AmcoGiffen and Flintshire County Council – another step towards a simpler, better, greener railway.”
Adrian Carrington, Head of Station Infrastructure for Transport for Wales, said: “Improving accessibility is at the heart of our commitment to delivering a truly inclusive transport network for all of Wales. This new lift at Flint station, along with a range of enhancements, ensures that all our customers can travel more easily and confidently.
“This upgrade removes a key barrier between platforms for those with reduced mobility and will help make travel more seamless for everyone.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: “It’s great to be here in Flint to see the improvements to the station. These will make using the train easier for all, encouraging more people to use public transport. We continue to work closely with the UK Government to support the Access for All programme, including our match-funding commitment for Access for All schemes at Shotton and Ruabon.”
Stephen Lloyd, AmcoGiffen Senior Projects Manager, said: “We’re proud to have delivered this new accessible station as part of the wider investment programme supporting step-free travel and enhancing passenger experience across the region. Working collaboratively with Transport for Wales and Network Rail, we’ve completed the project safely and with a shared focus on creating long-term benefits for passengers and the community.”
The improvements follow a series of upgrades by Transport for Wales, including refurbished facilities, new customer information screens, and landscaping work supported by £90,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust. A disused building at the station has also been converted into community rooms and a staff area as part of TfW’s Social and Commercial Development Plan.
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