WORK to transform Malton Station gets underway today as part of a £170,000 investment in improved facilities for rail customers.

The upgrade, which is being delivered by train company TransPennine Express (TPE), will see a brand new ticket office, waiting room and accessible unisex toilet installed at the Grade II listed station.

Funding for the revamp has been made possible through TPE’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund, which supports projects that will benefit communities across the North of England and into Scotland, and a £5,000 funding contribution from Ryedale District Council as part of their infrastructure and connectivity improvement plan for Malton and Norton.

The ticket office will be closed while work is taking place, but staff will still be on hand to provide support and assistance to customers.

Graham Meiklejohn, regional development manager for TransPennine Express said: “Today marks an exciting milestone for customers using Malton railway station as work gets underway to transform the existing space with brand new, modern facilities.

“We want to remind anyone planning on using the station over the next few months that while the ticket office will be closed, tickets should be bought at the ticket vending machine or on-line prior to boarding the train. While this upgrade takes place, we will do our best to keep any disruption to a minimum."

"We would like to thank customers in advance for their patience and understanding.”

Phillip Spurr, Programme Director for Economic Development, Business and Partnerships, Ryedale District Council said: “Ryedale District Council has worked for a number of years with various partners, including TransPennine Express, to bring forward improvements to infrastructure and connectivity in Malton and Norton.

“We are delighted to be able to make a contribution towards this project to deliver improvements to Malton Station. Making the use of public transport more attractive and convenient is an essential element in the transition to a carbon neutral economy.”

Cllr Paul Emberley, Mayor of Malton, Malton Town Council, said: “This is great news for the many station users from our community. The TransPennine Express initiative is very welcome and these new facilities will be an added incentive to help get people back using our transport network again.”

Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk & Malton said: “I’m delighted that work on these much needed improvements is starting at Malton station on Monday. This is something that I have raised with TransPennine Express on a number of occasions following concerns raised by constituents. The public lavatories and waiting room, in particular, will make a huge difference to people.”

Cllr Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, North Yorkshire County Council, said: "On behalf of North Yorkshire County Council and our travelling public, I welcome this further investment by TransPennine Express at Malton Station".

The project is being delivered by TMT Group and managed by Vextrix. It is expected to be completed by mid-August 2021.