29.04.13
Newport station roof leaks continue
Newport railway station’s ‘thought-provoking’ new roof is still leaking, three years after installation.
The station reopened in October 2010 with a futuristic roof comprised of 31 air-filled cushions, giving it a bubble-wrap effect. The same material is used in the Eden Project in Cornwall.
But Network Rail admitted there are still “interface issues” with the material, resulting in leaks.
Cllr Matthew Evans said: “You will have snagging problems with any new building but when you've still got problems three years later it doesn't exactly fill you with confidence.
“I don't have anything against the design – I called it thought-provoking at the time – but it needs to be practical. The roof has had problems for some considerable time. It is embarrassing.”
A Network Rail spokesman said: “We still have verification works to complete before we are happy that the roof is leak free. The station represented a £20m investment when it was redeveloped in 2009. The station reopened in time for the 2010 Ryder Cup golf competition in Wales.
“Since then, we became aware of interface issues between some of the materials used in its construction. We agreed a remediation plan with our contractor and we are delighted that the works are now complete.”
A spokesman for contractors Galliford Try said: “We have rectified the readily accessible leaks identified in the roof with the exception of two which require possession of the line. We will attend to these at the first opportunity.”
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