Century-old station footbridge to be replaced with "soulless metal walkway" (From News Shopper)

Century-old Gravesend station footbridge to be replaced with "soulless metal walkway"

8:10am Friday 23rd December 2011 in News By Alan Woods

PLANS to replace a century-old footbridge at Gravesend railway station with a “soulless metal walkway” have been criticised by station users.

Network Rail plans to replace the stone bridge as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment project of the Grade II listed building.

The proposals disregard a ‘design statement’ published by Network Rail in April promising the replacement bridge will be “sympathetic to the (current) building in terms of massing, scale, appearance and materials.”

Zoe Draper, 35, of Windmill Street, said: “My heart sank when I saw the proposed images of the new footbridge.

“The design looks like a soulless metal walkway on an industrial estate - in my opinion it bears no structural design quality what so ever.”

The graphic designer added: “I’m in favour of anything that improves the facilities and commuter experience of Gravesend’s railway station but cannot understand why the proposed bridge has not been designed in a way that is sympathetic to our award-winning listed building.”

News Shopper reported earlier this month how a similar replacement metal bridge had been given the go ahead in Eynsford, despite more than 700 villagers objecting.

Liz Howe, 68, of Kings Drive, said: “It’s like Legoland - British Rail keeps putting the same all over the place.

“If we can’t have something like the old bridge, can’t we have something along the lines of that?”

The proposed revamp of the station includes a third platform and extensions to current ones.

Station-users are angry additional ticket booths are not being installed to cater for extra passengers the new platform will bring.

Miss Draper, a daily commuter, said: “I’m aware of increasing frustration from passengers with lack of ticket facilities.

“How is the station going to cope with this extra influx of passengers not being able to obtain a ticket?”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “The improvements will enhance the station and we will work closely with the local authority throughout the application process.”

Network Rail must acquire permission to modify the listed building before a direct planning application can be made.