Media centre

Friday 27 Aug 2010

NEWPORT BEGINS FINAL COUNTDOWN TO NEW TRAIN STATION

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

The brand new Newport station building will open its doors to passengers for the first time on 13 September.

 

The construction of the landmark Newport station has moved on to the final programme of work to bring passengers a bigger, brighter and modern station.  In the next two weeks, up to 100 engineers will be working to build pavements, tile the floors and fit out the interior facilities, including information points and ticket offices.

Mark Langman, area general manager, Network Rail said: "Work continues on schedule to meet our deadline and we will keep working hard over the next two weeks to deliver this scheme for passengers.  Wales relies on rail and the brand new Newport station is a great example of how rail industry partners are working together to bring Wales’ stations into the 21st century, encouraging even greater use of the railway network.”

Spokesperson from Arriva Trains Wales said: "This new development marks a huge step forward for passengers in Newport. This program of work will provide a more welcoming environment and a much brighter passenger experience, encouraging more people to try the train."

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: "I’m looking forward to the opening of the new railway station, which I believe will create a lasting legacy for the benefit of all Newport residents as well as further enhancing the city’s position as the main transport gateway for South Wales.”

Mike Otlet, technical director, Atkins, said: “Newport Station is an iconic example of clever design and engineering excellence.  A key consideration of the design was how to minimise the building’s energy demands and carbon emissions and that meant our experts using state of the art design tools to optimise the design. We believe the building will provide an outstanding feature for the people of Newport as well as proving a highly efficient and interesting station for travellers to enjoy.”

The station measures 2,100 square metres and is nearly twice the size of the old building.

Passengers will benefit from two new concourses and an additional new entrance to serve passengers from the northern side of the city. A station footbridge will conveniently connect passengers to all platforms.

The station will also be equipped with three lifts, CCTV, modernised customer information system and new waiting shelters. Both concourses will also have improved ticketing and information points and more shops.

The scheme is jointly funded by Network Rail and the Welsh Assembly Government, with support from Arriva Trains Wales and Newport City Council.

The new station is jointly designed by Atkins and Grimshaw and is constructed by Galliford Try.