Thanet Parkway is the district’s first new railway station in 97 years, since Ramsgate and Dumpton Park stations were opened in 1926. The station is strategically located between Ramsgate and Minster, and opens to passengers today, Monday 31 July.
Thanet Parkway will improve rail connections between East Kent, London and the wider southeast region. It will provide local residents, businesses and visitors with better access to mainline and high speed train services.
The station has been jointly funded by the government’s Department for Transport (DfT); South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP); Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; Thanet District Council; East Kent Spatial Development Company; and Kent County Council. The level crossings at Cliffsend and Sevenscore have also been upgraded as part of the project.
Councillor Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “Thanet Parkway will add to our existing stations and provide new opportunities for residents who do not currently have easy access to them. People who live nearer to the new station will now have an alternative to driving into Ramsgate, and having to park in busy residential roads. It will improve our rail options without increasing previous journey times.
“The new station represents a substantial investment in the district’s future by regional and national funding bodies and it is important that we take advantage of such opportunities when they arise.”
The improved accessibility to highspeed rail services has the potential to boost the local economy. It is anticipated that this will make Thanet a more attractive location for business, opening the way for new jobs and further investment. Thanet’s leisure and tourism industries are also expected to benefit.
Rail passengers can now purchase tickets for services to and from Thanet Parkway. There will be free parking for station customers from Monday 31 July, for a limited time.
Photo credit: Andy Jones/Southeastern
