A significant transformation is set to take place at Sandhills station as it prepares to serve as a key transport hub for Everton supporters. With the upcoming move to the new stadium, the station is expected to witness a substantial increase in footfall.
Liverpool Council has approved plans to establish a fan management zone at Sandhills station, the nearest Merseyrail stop to Everton’s new dockside stadium. This development is aimed at managing the expected surge in fans travelling to and from the venue.
Importance of Sandhills Station
The new stadium, boasting a capacity of 52,888, will attract more fans compared to Goodison Park. As the closest station, Sandhills will be instrumental in ensuring smooth transit for supporters. This strategic move highlights the necessity to upgrade the station’s facilities to handle the additional passenger load efficiently.
Collaborative Efforts
Documents submitted to Liverpool Council by Merseytravel reveal extensive collaboration. Entities such as Everton, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, British Transport Police, Liverpool Council, and Merseyrail are involved. Such cooperation underscores the project’s significance and the commitment to manage the increase in passengers.
According to the operational management statement, although the platforms at Sandhills and the trains serving the station can handle the predicted number of additional passengers within a reasonable timeframe, the platform access is a constraint. This poses a limitation during times of high demand.
Proposed Fan Management Zone
To address platform access constraints, a new pedestrian waiting area is proposed. This area will be specifically designed to handle and ensure the safety of passengers during peak periods.
The waiting area will be situated on land adjacent to the station, currently owned by Merseytravel. The zone will be activated post-football matches or significant events to regulate the safe transfer of spectators onto train services.
When events are not taking place, the space will revert to its usual function, accommodating storage for rail equipment or facilitating operations around rail replacement bus services.
Passenger Flow and Accessibility
During event periods, those travelling via Sandhills station will access the designated waiting area from Sandhills Lane. They will be guided into specific queuing lanes based on their destinations, ensuring an organised flow of passengers.
Passengers with limited mobility will receive priority access. They will be guided away from the main queue by staff and placed in a separate area, ensuring they can use the existing accessible ramps to reach the platform. This system ensures inclusivity and attention to passenger needs during high-demand periods.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
The need for a dedicated infrastructure is referenced within the Section 106 Agreement linked to the planning application for the new stadium. This legal framework ensures that the proposed changes align with regulated safety and operational standards.
Safety is paramount, and these measures will ensure that the increased footfall can be managed without compromising the well-being of passengers. The fan management zone is a proactive step to mitigate any potential risks associated with larger crowds.
Community and Supporter Impact
The introduction of the fan management zone at Sandhills station is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and the broader supporter base.
Enhanced transport facilities will provide a smoother, more efficient travel experience for fans. This development demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that the match-day experience is enjoyable and hassle-free.
Future Prospects
Looking forward, the fan management zone sets a precedent for other stations that might experience similar challenges with increased footfall.
Other transport hubs could adopt similar measures to ensure safety and efficiency during peak times. This initiative at Sandhills station could serve as a model for future infrastructure improvements in the region.
The creation of a fan management zone at Sandhills station is a strategic move to support Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
By addressing the challenges posed by the anticipated increase in passengers, this development underscores a commitment to improving transport infrastructure and enhancing the match-day experience for all supporters.
