From Transport Briefing: http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=5741
Construction of a new station at Reading Green Park is to get underway after the Office of Rail Regulation approved Network Rail's request to lease land for the site to station developer John Laing.
The station, situated to the south of Southcote Junction on the Reading to Basingstoke line, is to be funded by Prudential Assurance but procured through John Laing Infrastructure, which will lease the Network Rail land required to build the station along with other land over which Prudential has a controlling interest. In turn, John Laing would lease the station to train operator First Great Western.
A consultation with the rail industry about plans to build the new station resulted in only one significant concern being put forward and which related to how the proposed new station would affect rail freight operators. However, the ORR said Network Rail is following a process which will deal with this issue.
Reading Green Park station will serve a new commercial and residential development in the Green Park and Kennet Valley area. As part of the proposal a transport interchange and car park would be provided on Prudential controlled land and either leased to First Great Western or operated by John Laing as part of the station.
The two-platform station design will accommodate five car train sets, with space for future extensions, connected by a footbridge with disabled access lifts. Work on site is expected to begin by the end of this month.
Reading Green Park station has already secured planning permission from West Berkshire Council and Reading Borough Council (Transport Briefing 06/02/08 and 12/12/07).
