Railway station improvement works set to begin at Flint

Work is about to get underway on a significant project to enhance passenger facilities at Flint railway station.

Transport for Wales (TfW) received consent for the refurbishment of Flint Station’s Grade II listed building. The focus will primarily be on enhancing passenger amenities within the station buildings.

The planned improvements, including rebranding, repainting, and general upgrades – as well as enhancing passenger services such as lighting, help points, and customer information screens – are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.

The station building is a late classical edifice, with a symmetrical design spanning two storeys.

Flint station was listed as the first of Francis Thomson’s 1840s Station Buildings in Chester. It retains most of its original character, along with its group value with the engine shed.

Thomson was contracted by the Chester & Holyhead Railway to work alongside the renowned engineer Robert Stephenson. The pair had previously collaborated on the North Midland Railway.

Flint station building, like those in Penmaenmawr and Bangor, includes the Italianate features fashionable in architecture of the early Victorian period. The station opened on May 1, 1848, the same day services began on the Chester to Bangor line.

The station currently provides services to two main routes, both of which run hourly. These include Manchester Piccadilly to Llandudno and Birmingham International to Cardiff Central.

There are also certain services between Holyhead/Bangor and London Euston.

Flint station will see additional improvements such as ticket office upgrades, waiting rooms equipped with water refill units, toilet refurbishments, new CIS screens, and enhanced landscaping.

Furthermore, TfW is launching a Social and Commercial Development Project to revitalise the disused building on platform 1 at Flint station.

This initiative aims to transform the space into two new community rooms, a staff room, and a modern passenger waiting area.

By repurposing underutilised areas, TfW seeks to maximise the potential for community and commercial activities at the station.

TfW will be holding a ‘Meet the Manager’ session at Flint station ahead of the works. This session will take place on Thursday 22 June – 8:30am -2pm

Lisa Cleminson, Stations Director said, “We are delighted to be progressing with this project”

“The investment in the disused building at Flint station will improve the station’s appearance and will provide more commercial and community opportunities.”

“This significant investment in both stations will introduce an array of new and upgraded facilities and will greatly enhance the overall customer experience.”

TfW are working closely with contractor Taziker, and industry and local partners on this project. The aim of these improvements is to provide a better customer experience for our passengers.

Kim Hawkins, Group Station Manager said, “We are happy to see this investment in customer facilities throughout our stations and I am confident that our staff will support both our customers and contractors on site, to ensure we minimise disruption.”

“We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure our stations are safe, accessible and welcoming places for passengers.”

The aim of these improvements is to provide an enhanced customer experience. Work is currently scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.”

TfW encourages customers to plan for extra time to allow for potential disruption.