Media centre

Monday 2 Jun 2008

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR NEWPORT STATION REGENERATION

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

The prospect of a revamped railway station for Newport came closer today with the announcement that the Welsh Assembly Government will jointly fund the £22m regeneration scheme.

A key aspiration of the project is to build two brand new termini that represent Newport’s status as the ‘Gateway to Wales’.

A special type of plastic material, which was used to build the Eden Project, could be used in the structure - ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene (ETFE) - a robust material that is resistant to corrosion and will create the impression of light and space.

Dave Ward, Route Director, Network Rail says,

“We are very excited to spearhead this project. It will play a huge role in a city-wide vision to rejuvenate and reflect Newport as a vibrant, dynamic and modern city. The support from the Newport City Council, Arriva Train Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government is tremendous and welcoming. And now, we are eager to move the project forward to the next vital phase.”

Benefits of this scheme are:

- A modern fit-for-purpose station environment with improved public and passenger amenities

- Enhanced bus-rail connections with an upgraded bus interchange

- Improved pedestrian link between the north and south of the city centre

- More car park spaces to cater to passengers and the general public

The plan is to finalise the designs by end of this year with construction work beginning in early 2009.

The scheme is part of a two-phase initiative to upgrade the Newport Station as part of the wider city regeneration programme. Building the new platform 4 was the first phase of the project.