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Wednesday 28 Jan 2004

CONCOURSE EXPANSION AT BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET UNDERWAY

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Network Rail has begun work on a £1.975m scheme to transform the existing concourse at Birmingham New Street. The scheme is well underway and on schedule for completion by the spring. The new concourse area will be fully enclosed with summary departure screens placed in the direction of passenger flow. Improvements will include a glazed screen enclosure, floodlights to increase the lighting levels around the perimeter of the enclosure, CCTV cameras, Customer Information System screens (CIS) and an extension to the existing Voice Activated Public Address system (VAPA). - more - BNS Concourse- 2 Passengers will also benefit from the increased ATM facility, which will relocate to be adjacent to the taxi rank area in a newly constructed unit. The existing facility will be closed for four weeks whilst work is carried out; alternative cashpoints are located next to the Eurochange. Carol Stitchman, Project Development Manager for Network Rail Midlands Region, highlights some of the benefits that the extension to the concourse will provide for the rail traveller: “The new concourse area will provide a modern and attractive facility for users of the station and the additional space will also help towards easing congestion during peak periods. Stations colour the experience of every rail traveller, forming a vital part of every journey and expanding the concourse at Birmingham New Street is an important part of our continued programme to re-build the railway.” The customer service provision will be increased with the relocation of the ATM facility and the new retail units, whilst a new station communications room will enable Network Rail to work even closer with the train operating companies by allowing them access to the control room. This will help ensure a constant flow of up-to-date train information is on hand for passengers using the station. New entrances will be installed at the Network Rail reception and Virgin First Class lounge. These will have automatic sliding doors. The enclosed glazed screen will also be installed with three automatic sliding doors. -more- BNS Concourse- 3 Funding for the expansion work is through the construction of additional retail space within the new concourse area. New retail units will extend beyond the current building line. Retail tenants will fit out their units following completion of the concourse extension.