Making tracks

Making the case for a better rail network

We believe the creation of a new Parkway station for Shrewsbury will alleviate pressure on Shrewsbury station and the town’s highway network, and allow vital improvements to Shrewsbury’s existing rail station as the key gateway to the town.

Together with a new ‘open access’ rail operator, Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) and its partner, rail development and delivery specialist, SLC, Shropshire Council is now investigating the feasibility and private-financing options for the Parkway.

WSMR is a partnership of Alstom and SLC and submitted its application for Track Access to support its proposed services to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, in March 2024.

WSMR is currently awaiting approval by the ORR for its plans to introduce new direct train connectivity between Wrexham, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Telford, Walsall and London Euston. Depending on when it gains approval, the company is hoping to operate services this year, 2025.