Southbourne Station Gets a Safety and Style Boost
Southbourne railway station, serving the leafy West Sussex village on the West Coastway Line between Brighton and Southampton, has just had a major facelift. Nestled near the stunning Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the Solent, this century-old station is stepping up for modern times.
Platform Upgrades Make Travel Safer and Smoother
Under the ‘Putting Passengers First’ programme, engineers have refurbished platforms 1 and 2. The work included replacing trestle slabs, repairing concrete, and installing tactile surfaces. These upgrades don’t just spruce up the place—they boost safety and improve accessibility, especially for visually impaired travellers.
Local Favourite with a Fresh New Look
Originally opened as Southbourne Halt in the early 1900s, the station dropped ‘Halt’ from its name in the late 1960s but remains a vital link for Southbourne and surrounding West Sussex villages. This refurbishment follows recent improvements at Eridge and Crawley stations as part of a broader plan to modernise Sussex’s rail network.
Rail Chiefs Praise the Upgrade
“The railway at Southbourne provides vital links on the West Coastway Line,” said Shaun King, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex. “These improvements are fantastic news and will improve daily journeys. We worked hard to keep disruption to a minimum and thank passengers for their patience.”
Southern’s Customer Services Director Chris Fowler added: “Our Southbourne customers will appreciate Network Rail’s investment in safety and comfort. With new benches and a multi-million-pound station improvement programme underway, rail travel is getting better and safer. Remember: wash your hands, wear a face covering, and keep your distance.”
