Have you seen this? New car park officially opens at Castle Cary

The vital project, with land purchased by the railway, more than doubles the previous capacity of the car park and was officially opened on Thursday 16 May.

Funded by GWR and the Department for Transport and delivered with the help of the Emily Estate, the facility provides 193 new spaces, four electric vehicle spaces, new lighting, a new accessible route linking the car park to the station and improvements to the existing forecourt and bus stop.

GWR Business Assurance Director Joe Graham said:

“Working with our partners we are committed to improving the railway, enabling more people to take advantage of the train services we offer, and we are delighted that work to this very much needed car park has been completed. 

“Helping to support the communities we serve this opening is super news for rail and wider sustainable transport choices across the local area.”

“We’re not stopping there.  We are forwarding plans for an accessible lift bridge at the station, providing funding to Network Rail to help develop designs.”

Matthew Nobbs, Network Rail’s senior sponsor, said:

“I’m delighted to see that the new car park at Castle Cary is station open for use, it’s a great credit to all the people at GWR who have worked hard to make it a reality.

“Expanded parking facilities are particularly important at stations such as this, which serves a large area and sees a high number of passengers who have travelled long distances to start their train journey.

“The opening of the car park marks the start of a series of improvements at Castle Cary, including the installation of a temporary footbridge for this year’s Glastonbury Festival. We are also currently in the process of designing an accessible footbridge for the station to provide step-free access for all.”

The car park was opened temporarily in November last year enabling users to take advantage of the new parking offered as soon as possible, prior to being closed for a short period over Easter to allow for work to a new approach road to be completed.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said:

“It’s great news that the new car park is operational, with hugely increased capacity.

“Castle Cary Train Station is one of Somerset’s key transport hubs, it’s extremely well-used and travellers along with local people are well-aware of the problems we’ve had in the past due to the lack of parking. It’s a vital improvement for train users and for the town and wider public.”

Paul Rawson from the Newt in Somerset said:

“The Newt in Somerset has forged a strong partnership with GWR working together to deliver major place-making improvements to the station at Castle Cary. The excellent new car park and ramp access will hugely benefit rail users as well as guests visiting The Creamery, which will open next month. Our parallel projects, both rooted in the celebration of local heritage, have helped to make Castle Cary Station a really exciting destination.”