Gravesend Train Station design dispute: How the proposed footbridge will look

»Residents are urging for a rethink on designs as part of the renovation of Gravesend Train Station claiming proposals do ­nothing to complement the Grade 11 listed building.

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Network Rail is proposing to construct a new footbridge as part of a multi-million pound revamp of the station but campaigners say any plans should be in keeping with the Victorian features of the main building.

Zoe Draper, of Windmill Street, Gravesend, said: “I am all in favour of anything that improves the facilities and commuter experience of Gravesend’s railway station, but I cannot understand why our council and Network Rail seem so hell bent on ­ignoring the fact that our railway station is an award-winning Grade 11 listed building. Any additions to the station should reflect and respect this.

“My heart sank when I saw the proposed images of the new footbridge.”

She has complained to ­Network Rail who she claims ­responded saying the council wanted it to be a modern ­contrast to the historic ­station building.

Miss Draper added: “Well, they certainly have that. It looks like a soulless metal walkway on an industrial ­estate. In my opinion, it has no structural design quality what so ever.”

The station is among 150 to share £150 million from the Department for Transport as part of renovation schemes.

Miss Draper claims the Transport Quarter, which is currently being created and entails a five-storey car park and bus interchange in front of the Victoria Centre, will become “a cold characterless, generic town on first impression to visitors and new residents to our riverside heritage town.”

Retired art teacher Liz Howe, 68, of Kings Drive, is also against the design. She said: “We all agree the ­station needs a facelift but I am ­concerned about us losing the identity of the town.

“We don’t want a characterless change which is easy to clean but has no consideration for the station’s Victorian design.”

Sheila Grierson, 63, of Cobham Street, said the design was a “monstrosity” and pleaded for new designs blending the “Victorian care and planning with a modern equivalent”.

You can comment on the application by November 2l. Write to Michael Jessop, Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU, stating the application reference 20110865.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We have submitted our initial plans for a new footbridge at Gravesend station which is designed to meet accessibility requirements and so it can physically be installed and maintained.

“We are still in discussions with the council to agree the specific details of the design and where possible will look at incorporating features which make the bridge more in keeping with the surrounding area if required.”