Plans unveiled for £8.6m revamp of Newcastle station

Plans have been unveiled for a new £8.6m transformation of Newcastle Central Station.

The project will see the Grade one listed train station revamped with new retail and leisure spaces and improved facilities.

East Coast Rail are set to deliver the project in partnership with Network Rail who own the historic station building.

£8.6m funding for the project has come from the Department for Transport’s Station Commercial Project Facility Fund.

The station’s Victorian portico is to become a glazed, pedestrian retail zone but developers say that the heritage of the building will not be lost.

The work, which is to be carried out by Miller Construction, will include, a new travel centre, better toilet facilities, clearer signage and doubled covered cycle storage.

A new taxi rank will be set up directly to the east of the new-look portico and a new layout will open up sight-lines towards the Castle Keep, whilst showcasing the station’s distinctive arched roof.

East Coast Stations and Property Director Tim Hedley-Jones said: “Newcastle Central station is a key part of the history and future of both the city and the wider North East region.

“The improvements will accentuate the important heritage of the Grade One listed building, one of only six such stations in the UK, and act as a stunning new gateway to the city for visitors.

“We believe the project will play a key role in the regeneration of the city centre and help to demonstrate that Newcastle and the North East are very much open for business.”

It is hoped that the revamping of Newcastle Central Station will be a key part of wider regeneration in the surrounding area of the city centre.

Newcastle City Council and business improvement company NE1 are working on a complementary project which aims to improve access to this area of the city centre.

The Leader of Newcastle City Council, Councillor Nick Forbes, said: “It is important that visitors to Newcastle get an immediate impression of the confidence and ambition we have as a city and a world class destination for business and tourism.

“The transformation of Central Station will create an instantly memorable experience for visitors and a 21st Century transport hub worthy of one of Europe’s great cities.”

The work is set to begin in May this year and is expected to be completed by April 2014, the station will run as normal throughout the construction.

Plans for the new-look station, from Newcastle-based team from Ryder Architecture, wil be exhibited at the station between 3.30- 7.30pm on March 12 and 13.

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