Transport Secretary formally opens new Marsh Barton railway station

Published: 3 July 2023

Transport Secretary Mark Harper paid a visit to the new railway station at Marsh Barton ahead of its long-awaited opening to the public on Tuesday.

The Secretary of State performed a ceremonial opening of the new, fully accessible, station which will be managed by Great Western Railway and serve the Exeter to Plymouth rail line.

Delivered and funded by Devon County Council, with contributions from the Heart of the South West LEP, Exeter and Teignbridge District Councils, and over £3 million from the Department for Transport, the new station will better connect the community and offer greater access to employment, business and education opportunities.

The new station was officially opened in front of invited guests including Exeter City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk and Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon.

Cllr Bialyk said: “This new station is great news for Exeter. It makes it easier for residents, workers and visitors to access this busy area using public transport.

“Thousands of people work at Marsh Barton, and the station provides a new way to access the industrial estate. It will also attract people for leisure purposes due to its location near the beautiful Riverside Valley Park.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “I am delighted to see the completion this major project today, delivering a government commitment to improve a vital rail route for passengers in the South West.

“It demonstrates a government that is delivering our promises, investing in vital infrastructure and improving transport connections to help grow the economy.”

Great Western Railway Managing Director, Mark Hopwood said: “New stations such as this are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we become mindful of the need to live and travel more sustainably.

“Marsh Barton will help to ease congestion on some of Exeter’s busiest roads and offer a more environmentally friendly option for those who normally drive into the area.”