Delivered by South Western Railway (SWR), Network Rail Wessex, and the Department for Transport (DfT), the scheme will convert disused goods lift shafts into modern, accessible lifts. Lawrence Bowman, managing director at SWR and Network Rail Wessex, said: "This is a hugely significant moment for Pokesdown and for everyone who has worked so hard to make step-free access a reality. The station will remain open throughout, though some work will take place overnight, on weekends, or during planned closures. Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: "Pokesdown will finally be step-free in early 2028, with work getting underway this year. BCP Council argued that rail stations are the responsibility of national rail bodies, not local authorities or residents.