Description
All the platforms are split into two sections, a and b, allowing two services to occupy a platform at the same time or to account for trains dividing into two portions. Platform 1 is, however, rarely used in this manner.
- Platform 1 is used for services to London Waterloo from Weymouth and CrossCountry services to the north of England, predominantly Manchester from Bournemouth.
- Platform 2 is used for First Great Western services to Portsmouth and the stopping service to Romsey via Eastleigh. It is the usual platform for the stopping service to London Waterloo, originating from Poole, the South West Trains stopping service to Portsmouth and the Southern service to Brighton.
- Platform 3 is used for local services to Salisbury via Redbridge (Hampshire). The Southern service to London Victoria usually departs from platform 3. Platform 3 is also used for the stopping service to Poole where it is overtaken by a faster service.
- Platform 4 is used for services to Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth as well as First Great Western services to Cardiff Central.
There is also an ex-Red Star Parcels bay on the Bournemouth end of Platform 4. Previously branded as Platform 5, stopping services to Brockenhurst used this platform, but the platform can no longer be used for passenger services due to the lack of a proper starting signal. It is now used for the stabling of spare units. A number of goods loops are located a short distance away allowing terminating trains to clear the platforms for through services if required, and also to allow passenger services to pass freight trains.
Southampton Central houses both the South West Trains head office and a British Transport Police station in Overline House on the upside, with street access from Blechyden Terrace.
A partnership between Network Rail, South West Trains and Southampton City Council will see a £3 million pound investment in refurbishing the station and improving passenger facilities and is due to be completed by the end of 2011.
Read more about this topic: Southampton Central Railway Station
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