Work gets underway to transform “old” New Street station

Work has begun to transform the east side of Birmingham’s New Street station, which was the main station entrance until the opening of the new concourse in April this year.

The original, 1960s-style concrete façade has been a familiar sight on the Birmingham skyline for the last 50 years, but is now being removed in large sections as the transformation from pebbledash to the stunning stainless steel cladding which will transform the exterior of the station begins.

Chris Montgomery, Network Rail project director said: “Our work outside New Street station will contribute towards the creation of a world class transport hub for Birmingham that’s fit for the 21st century. The stainless steel façade will completely transform the tired, old exterior into a stunning modern building that is already taking shape on the north side of the station, adding to the city’s growing reputation for good design.

“Inside we are delivering a station that Birmingham can be proud of and that will be able to handle the ever increasing numbers of passengers who want to use the railway, with a bigger concourse, better facilities and new lifts and escalators improving access to and through the new station.”

The project will also deliver better pedestrian connections across the city and new public space in the heart of the city centre.

Next year, Network Rail and Birmingham City Council will be running a competition which will give the people of Birmingham the opportunity to name the new public square on the station’s east side, which will open as part of the redevelopment in 2015.