05.10.12
Halfway to switchover for New Street
Birmingham New Street station has officially reached its halfway point to the switchover in April, when the existing concourse and entrances will close, allowing the first half of the new concourse to open.
A public information campaign will start in January to prepare passengers for the changes, and an exhibition is being held next week from Monday to Wednesday, to offer more information about the improvements.
Around 1,000 construction workers are currently on site, demolition is ongoing and the platforms are being refurbished one at a time.
Chris Montgomery, Network Rail project director said: “We’ve committed to keeping New Street open to passengers throughout the redevelopment and to date, we’ve been able to do most of our work behind the scenes.
“The switchover next year will be the first time passengers see real changes in how they use and access New Street station. By switching off the old station and opening the first half of the new concourse next door, we can keep passengers moving through New Street while we continue rebuilding the existing half of the station and shopping centre above.”
Cllr Roger Horton, Centro’s lead member for transforming rail, added: “I’m very pleased that the Gateway project remains on course and on time, and its completion will be a massive boost for the thousands of passengers using the station each day.
“The concourse switchover will be a key milestone in the station’s transformation which in turn will help underpin our efforts to create a world class transport system for the West Midlands.”
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