I recently invited the Government Agency, Homes England to Watford to help secure their support for plans that will see Watford Junction being redeveloped into a key transport hub, making it finally fit for the 21st century. This visit was a huge success and I am delighted to have finally been given the green light for over £40 million of Government investment. We are now working with Ministers on finalising the details.
With footfall having more than doubled in the last 10 years, its redevelopment is now very urgent. I want to see better drop off and pick up, a multi-storey car park, a new forecourt, more food and retail outlets and another access point to the station, which is vital for the health and safety of commuters.
Together with Watford Council, Network Rail and local stakeholders, I have pushed for Government investment to build a passenger bridge that will open up the site for pedestrians by creating a second entrance to the station, as well as a new ticket hall, which will significantly reduce passenger congestion. Plans would also see a new multi-storey car park and a bus station constructed to improve the layout.