Friday 28 May 2021
Birmingham New Seats: station set for summer city picnickers
- Region & Route:
- North West & Central
- | North West & Central: Central
Passengers and the public now have a new outdoor seating area at Birmingham New Street station.
From today (Friday 28 May) picnic benches are in place on the eastern plaza, out of the station entrance towards the Moor Street Link and Smallbrook Queensway.
It’s so that passengers and the public can relax in the warmer weather as measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 continue to be eased.
A local ice cream van will also be in place on the plaza for the next two weeks to help city trippers make the most of any bank holiday sunshine.
Passenger numbers through the station are steadily increasing.
Last Saturday, 98,373 journeys were made in and out of Birmingham New Street station - around 61% of pre-pandemic levels.
Craig Stenning, station manager at Birmingham New Street, said: “We’re so pleased that more people are returning to the city and travelling more again.
“Birmingham New Street is right at the core of the city and we can’t wait to feel the heartbeat of Birmingham again properly.
“The new picnic benches will be a great space for passengers and the public to safely unwind in the summer sunshine.”
It's expected to be busy on the railway over the late May bank holiday this weekend.
Network Rail is advising passengers to ‘look before they book’ ahead of major railway upgrades taking place between 29-31 May.
While much of the network in the North West and Central region will be unaffected, some routes will be impacted by the upgrades.
Those needing to travel during the railway improvements should plan ahead by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk/westcoast
People should continue to follow Government guidance so they know how to travel safely.
This includes planning ahead and checking before you travel as transport services and roads might be busier as restrictions ease.
For more information visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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