Railway enthusiasts and historians are eagerly anticipating the opening of a new train station in Essex, set to be the first on the Eastern main line in a century. Beaulieu Park station, a £175 million project, is launching ahead of schedule, with the inaugural train arriving at 7.20am on Sunday.
Passengers are already securing tickets for the historic journey from Colchester to London Liverpool St, stopping at the new station. One traveler, Andy Cross, expressed excitement about being part of this historic moment, expecting a significant turnout of photographers at Beaulieu Park.
The new station is part of a green initiative near Chelmsford, offering a regular service of up to four trains per hour during peak times and two trains per hour off-peak, aiming to provide convenience for passengers. Councillor Louise McKinlay praised Essex’s commitment to infrastructure growth, emphasizing the positive impact the station will have on travel in the region.
The Beaulieu Park station aims to alleviate congestion at Chelmsford’s existing station and reduce car traffic into the city center. It is a key addition to the Beaulieu and Channels neighborhoods, contributing to the Chelmsford Garden Community development. With over 4,350 homes planned in the area, including a new school, the station is expected to boost economic development and attract further investments.
Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, anticipates high demand for the new station, recognizing its appeal to travelers in the region.