Northern and Network Rail transform one of network’s ‘worst stations’

Once dubbed ‘one of the worst stations on the network’, Moorside was a throwback to stations of old and suffered from an out-of-date and unwelcoming station building - complete with with a crumbling roof.

Now, as part of Northern’s multi-million pound Better Stations scheme, Moorside has been given a new lease of life.

Northern and Network Rail have worked together to revamp the station, installing new stairs to the platforms from the booking office, as well as a new roof and improved doors, flooring and windows.

The booking office itself has been rebuilt and a new state-of-the-art ticket machine has been installed to give make it quicker and easier for customers to buy tickets.

Joan Nickson, Station Manager at Moorside, said: “I am delighted with the refurbishment of Moorside. The improvements are a combination of works that, together, have refreshed and reinvigorated the station to make it much more welcoming for rail users, as well as local residents.”

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, added: “I am confident that the significant improvements we have made to Moorside station will help to enhance the overall experience for our customers – whether that’s buying a ticket, waiting for a train, or getting information about our services. Moorside is just one of the stations to benefit from the more than 1,000 improvements we have completed across our network as part of our ongoing plans to modernise rail travel in the north."

Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, said: “Making stations brighter and more welcoming is a big part of our putting passengers first initiative.

“Moorside was in real need of a makeover. I am grateful to the Network Rail team who worked hard to spruce up the inside of this busy Northern station, which now offers so much more to the community.”