13.09.12
£200,000 pledged towards Sunderland station redevelopment
Sunderland City Council has backed proposals for a major redevelopment of the city’s station. At a recent cabinet meeting, the council agreed to provide £200,000 funding towards the project.
Works would cover a complete rebuild of the main concourse, with Network Rail and Nexus sharing the remaining costs of £400,000.
The current intention is to begin work in early 2014.
Speaking at the meeting, cabinet secretary Cllr Mel Speding said: “The preferred option consists of the demolition of the above ground structure and the construction of a new lightweight roof across the space.
“Beneath all this would be a new concourse and public realm area accommodating existing and possibly new retail businesses.”
Ken Mackay, director of rail and infrastructure for Nexus, said: “Nexus owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, which is the major train operator at the station, but we are also pursuing this project as the local passenger transport executive determined to raise the quality of all public transport in partnership with Sunderland City Council.”
A Network Rail spokesman added: “We are working with partners to develop the station into a modern affordable gateway into the city of Sunderland.
“The designs are in the early stage of development but will complement the work that has already been completed in the below ground station and radically improve the passenger experience.”
A report by the cabinet stated: “The station does not compare favourably with those in other cities of a similar size, and has lacked investment for many years.
“There is a strong case for the council to actively progress the redevelopment of the station as part of a comprehensive approach to the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.”
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