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Revamped Birmingham New Street to open in September 2015
The redeveloped Birmingham New Street station and the adjoining Grand Central shopping centre are to officially open in September 2015, Network Rail has confirmed.
With the atrium roof successfully lowered into place, the next key construction milestone involves an extensive demolition programme to remove about 6,000 tonnes of reinforced concrete. This will create the atrium space which, on completion, will be the size of a football pitch.
Nearly 85% of the floor space in Grand Central is now taken and joining the 250,000 sq ft John Lewis at Grand Central will be Joules, Cath Kidston, Fat Face, Jolie Papier and Monsoon Accessorize
Other brands including Giraffe, Carluccios, Caffé Concerto, Pho, Tortilla, Tapas Revolution, Crepe Affaire, Yo! Sushi and Square Pie will be opening at Grand Central, with additional restaurants and cafes available on the station concourse.
Construction work began on the £600m project for the regeneration of the station in 2010, and a further £150m of investment has been secured in the transformation of the Pallasades into Grand Central Birmingham.
Chris Montgomery, project director for Network Rail, said: “This project is also a great example of how investment in our transport infrastructure can boost the economy.
“The New Street redevelopment, complemented by Grand Central, will improve the city centre environment in Birmingham, creating new public space to stimulate regeneration and create up to one thousand new jobs for local people.”
Sir Albert Bore, the leader of Birmingham City Council added that the opening of the second and larger phase of Birmingham New Street station will see the completion of a world class station in the centre of the city and a fitting arrival point for those coming for business or leisure.
“The parallel opening of Grand Central in time for Christmas will enhance the shopping and leisure offer in Birmingham and will complement the Bullring, Mailbox, independent shops, and the Jewellery Quarter”, he said.
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