Progress on ‘overhauling’ a railway station site and demolishing an ‘eyesore’ building could be made soon, according to a Dorset MP.

Chris Loder (Conservative, West Dorset) has urged South Western Railway (SWR) to ‘finally’ demolish the disused Red Star Parcel building at the Dorchester South station site.
The MP made the call as part of his campaign to improve the station, which includes lobbying for refurbishments to overhaul the station building’s accessibility and to improve facilities for rail users.

SWR has now confirmed demolition work is set to begin in February.
“I have championed Dorchester South many times in Parliament,” Mr Loder said.“This is also why I have been fully making the case for this station to properly reflect its status as gateway to Dorchester and West Dorset more widely.
“I am hoping to see progress shortly to finally overhaul the station building with the interests of our many disabled passengers at heart and look forward to the day, hopefully soon, that the eyesore parcel building will be demolished.”
Mr Loder said he put the challenges to SWR regional development manager Andrew Ardley during a recent meeting at the station.
They also discussed the need for a properly accessible station for disabled passengers seeking to travel between platforms.
“After much work in ensuring all parties are aligned in a way forward, I am strongly supporting an Access for All funding bid with the Government which, if successful, will ensure this vital local station is able to be fully accessible for all those wishing to travel,” Mr Loder added.

An SWR spokesperson said work on the demolition of the building had been rescheduled.
“The demolition of the former Red Star parcels building has now been rescheduled for the weekend of 4–5 February,” they said.
“It was due to take place in December during track maintenance work in the area, however this was cancelled when strike action was called.”