Highlights of 2024
20th December 2024
2024 has certainly been one to remember, but we're even more excited for what's to come. Thank you to our…
Secondment Spotlight – Charlotte Parker
Meet Charlotte Parker, a passionate Project Manager from Waterman Aspen, seconded to Merseyrail. She’s helping to lead Merseyrail’s delivery of the Earlestown Station regeneration works; part of wider transformation plans taking place in Earlestown. The station is home to the Grade II Listed Station Building, which is one of the oldest still in service for passengers. As part of the planned upgrades, the building will be repaired and reopened for various uses. Charlotte describes the project as a perfect blend of historical infrastructure with modern upgrades – preserving the station’s historic character while making it a more accessible gateway to the town centre.
The project is currently in planning stages transitioning into design, and so far, Charlotte has been responsible for drafting and presenting proposed cost plans. She has also liaised with contractors and managed relationships with stakeholders from St Helens Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Network Rail and other third parties. She helped progress the planning forward from concept to funding approval, balancing the evolving scope with budget limitations – all while preserving a Grade II listed building.
For Charlotte, it’s incredibly rewarding to work on a heritage project with national significance, while improving accessibility to the services for the local community. The three packages of proposed work aim to deliver a safer, more inclusive experience, with improved lighting, CCTV, wayfinding and landscaping all to come. Her work directly improves Merseyrail’s capacity to deliver off-network projects and helps to grow Waterman Aspen’s involvement with train-operating companies.
Charlotte can’t wait to see Earlestown Station transformed into a safe, accessible and vibrant hub that serves the local community, and add it to her list of iconic sites that she’s worked on.
“Earlestown is one of the last triangular railway stations in the UK, with the oldest station building still in passenger service. It’s amazing to be a part of preserving and improving that.”
Alongside her work at Earlestown Station, Charlotte is exploring other exciting projects; from Long-Line PA systems, to signage upgrades and framework reviews. She truly values the variety and opportunities Merseyrail has offered her to grow and contribute across different areas.
“As a Project Manager, you’ve got to be decisive, strategic and always ready to prioritise, along with the ability to communicate effectively and adapt to changing circumstances.”
Charlotte joined Waterman Aspen as an Area Manager and enjoys balancing project delivery with recruitment, mentoring and business development. She values the supportive culture and diverse expertise of the Rail team, which has played a key role in her career growth. Having achieved CIOB Chartership, she’s now looking to work towards APM Chartership, and certainly more!
You can learn more about how Waterman Aspen supports employee growth and skill development by visiting our Training & Development page.
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