Partner Article

Work starts on biggest ever Metro station development

Work starts this week on the biggest ever modernisation of a Metro station. Developer Closegate is investing £20m in a new four-storey building which will rise above Haymarket Metro station in Newcastle. More than six million Metro passengers who use the station each year will benefit from a £5 million investment in a new concourse, a third escalator and remodelled platform areas.

Ken Mackay, Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Metro operators Nexus, said: “Haymarket is vital for passengers, businesses and employers. This investment in the new £20m station will create a landmark in the area for decades to come. The new Haymarket will set down a marker as we seek £600m over 20 years for Metro Re-invigoration, to completely upgrade our network. It is inevitable passengers will face some disruption and we are working closely with contractors to keep this to a minimum.”

During the first phase of work, from 2 July 2007, Haymarket will close from 8pm until end of service every night from Sunday to Thursday inclusive. The nearest alternative in most cases will be Monument, five minutes walk away. The station will be open as normal at other times of day and on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Taking an estimated two years to build, Closegate plan a new four storey building on the site of the existing station to include retail, a bar-restaurant and offices. Nexus has contacted businesses and employers in the local area directly to inform them of the work taking place.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .