Following discussions between Wiltshire Council, GWR and Network Rail, AtkinsRealis has been commissioned to update the business case for Corsham’s proposed new railway station. This work will be completed by the end of November 2026.
The work will focus on updating existing evidence and improving the business case rather than redesigning the scheme. It includes:
Costs and Financial Assessment
- A full update of the station’s capital cost estimates will be undertaken, using the same station design and scope that formed the basis of the 2022 submission.
- Operational cost assumptions will be reviewed using comparisons with similar stations, including consideration of different staffing models and day-to-day operating costs.
- The economic case will be strengthened through clearer benchmarking against comparable stations, particularly in relation to passenger demand and wider travel impacts. No new demand modelling is proposed.
Wider Benefits Assessment
- The SOC will include an enhanced qualitative assessment of the station’s environmental and social benefits, identifying likely positive outcomes and areas for future detailed appraisal.
- A more detailed assessment of wider economic benefits will be undertaken, considering potential impacts on investment, productivity and employment, with comparisons to similar schemes where relevant.
Timetable and Operational Feasibility
- Additional consideration will be given to operational risks on the rail corridor and the implications of introducing a Corsham stop within an increasingly constrained timetable.
- AtkinsRéalis will meet with Network Rail and GWR to discuss these risks.
- Existing timetable analysis will be reviewed in light of current timetables and more recent studies, with any significant changes to previous conclusions recorded. No detailed timetable modelling is planned.
Funding and Development Support
- The case will be updated to reflect discussions led by Wiltshire Council with potential third-party funders and clarify how external contributions could support delivery and operation of the station.
- Further engagement with planning officers, developers and local stakeholders will be documented to demonstrate alignment with housing growth, regeneration and wider development objectives.
Stakeholder Support
- The business case will be strengthened by incorporating evidence of support from key stakeholders, including relevant correspondence and endorsements.
Integration with Other Transport Modes
- Greater emphasis will be placed on how the proposed station would connect with wider transport networks, including bus services, walking and cycling routes and links to surrounding communities.
Business Case and Carbon Updates
- The case will be updated to reflect current Department for Transport business case guidance and policy requirements.
- A high-level assessment of carbon impacts will be undertaken, alongside preparation of an outline Carbon Management Plan appropriate to this stage of development.
Overall, the work is designed to refresh and strengthen the existing Strategic Outline Case, improve its alignment with current guidance, provide up-to-date cost information, demonstrate wider benefits and reinforce the strategic and financial case for progressing the Corsham Station project to the next stage of development.
www.corsham.gov.uk