ONE of the first stations built to a new modular design developed by Network Rail will soon give south London its first completely new station since the Second World War.

From 19 May, when the new summer timetable starts, trains operated by Southern Railway and First Capital Connect will stop at the new Mitcham Eastfields station in the London Borough of Merton.

The £6 million station is one of the first of a new generation of quick-to-build stations developed by Network Rail’s station design team and consultant architects.

The design is totally flexible and can be adapted to any size of station required.

Mitcham Eastfields – which is split into two by a level crossing – will have a footbridge and lifts. Parts for the station building are being sourced from a number of suppliers and installed on site.

Environmentally, the station has many pluses. Designed for low energy use, its solar panels provide 10 per cent of the energy used to heat the building. There will also be water retention areas.

Part of the platforms – able to take up to eight-car trains – will be canopied while the top floor of the building will house equipment, including telecoms systems.

Network Rail has already built a similarly designed station at Greenhithe in Kent to cater for shoppers to the Blue Water shopping centre and Ebbsfleet International station.

Mitcham Eastfields – the name was chosen by local residents – is expected to provide services for a catchment area of around 8,000 people. Some one and a half miles from Streatham Junction and the same mileage from Mitcham Junction, the area has been poorly served by public transport. Records show that there were calls for a station to be built in the area in the 1930s.

When the station opens, Southern Metro will provide 10 services in the morning peak with a running time of 14 minutes into London Victoria. In the evening peak some 18 services will run, with 32 minutes the longest time between trains.

As work continued to build the station for the May deadline, James Ashman, commercial scheme sponsor, route enhancement, Network Rail Sussex, explained the background to the project.

“Merton Council came to us about 18 months ago and asked if we would do a feasibility study into building a new station.

“Our director decided this would be a good site for one of the first modular buildings. The council and local people have been very supportive and we are sure this will add to the regeneration of the area.”

Merton Council is investing more than £1 million in the scheme and paid £25,000 for the feasibility study. Its input will include the establishment of a ‘strategic walking route’ to encourage people to park their cars in the town centre and walk the eight minutes to the station.

Some taxi bays and parking for disabled people will be provided and there will be provision for cyclists.

The council plans a grand opening in the summer and will heavily promote the station.

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