Dartford: Station Reconstruction

In January 2011, reconstruction of Dartford station was given the green light, after the Council approved initial plans submitted by Network Rail. The rebuilding exercise forms part of the general revitalisation and expansion of the town centre, which includes huge housing development immediately north of the station, on the former site of the Burroughs Wellcome (latterly Glaxo) pharmaceutical works.

Details of the final station plans were released in July 2011, revealing the new three-storey-high station structure set to replace the existing ticket office dating from 1973. Scheduled for an August start, station rebuilding eventually got underway in September, after the adjacent car park of the council offices had been closed to provide space for a temporary ticket office. It was originally proposed that the main pathway between the station and town centre would be closed for 18 months, for the duration of reconstruction. At present, the reconstruction timescale is set at 15 months, and will encompass the following:

· Provision of a new station building on the site of existing offices. Three-storeys in height and with a curved roof, this will house a large concourse on the ground floor, proper toilet facilities, and have staff offices above. Hitherto, staff have been accommodated within the surviving offices of the former good shed of the pre-1973 station – these are now set to be swept away. The site will be used for additional car parking space.

· At present, literature appears to suggest that the existing footbridge will be retained, but refurbished, and a new lift installed.

· At platform level, lengthened canopies are planned for both islands – whether this includes retention of the existing canopies and simply extending them, or starting from scratch, is not clear. Platforms 1 and 2, which constitute the ‘’up’’ island, are to be partially reconstructed to reduce gaps between their edges and trains. In addition, the ‘’up’’ island will, too, become host to new waiting shelters and staff offices. Both islands would be lengthened to accommodate twelve-car trains.

The total cost of the scheme is approximately £7 million, of which £6 million comes from the Government’s ‘’Homes & Communities Agency’’. The final £1 million has been provided by the Department for Transport.

6th December 2011

A view from the car park of the council offices shows temporary ticket booths taking shape on the right. These will apparently serve as an interim measure whilst the existing station building is demolished and a new one provided. © David Glasspool

19th March 2012

The framework of the temporary station building has now been equipped with a corrugated metal roof, and railings are now in place for the queues. © David Glasspool

19th March 2012

The waiting shelter of 1973 was cordoned off two weeks before this picture was taken, and is now in the process of being demolished. A large hole has been opened up in the platform surface here. The shelter's replacement can be seen beyond. © David Glasspool

19th March 2012

A westward view from platform 2 shows the new glazed shelter, which is 60-feet in length and is lined with ''perch'' seats on both sides. It is thought that the existing footbridge of 1973 will survive the reconstruction. © David Glasspool