The first images of the Newcastle Central Station development have been released. Created by Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, these images show the transformation of the station to improve connections with the Stephenson Quarter and the Forth Yards Development Areas to promote economic growth.
Atkins is the lead consultant for the project, working in partnership with Newcastle City Council, London North Eastern Railway, Network Rail and local specialists in town planning and heritage. The team is providing a wide range of services, including architecture, to unlock the development potential of the surrounding area, and improve passenger and visitor experiences in and around the station.
Mike Gardner, Project Director at SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business, said:
“Our designs aim to enhance user experience, reducing congestion and celebrating the station’s heritage. By improving vehicle routes around the station, rethinking the car parking and expanding the shopping and leisure offering within the station, our designs will help secure the station’s future as a civic front door and key transport hub.”
Subject to agreement on funding and if planning is approved, work will begin later this year and completed in 2021.
Councillor Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Employment at Newcastle City Council, said:
“With more and more people using rail we need to make further changes in and around the station, so it is fit for purpose, and we can meet air pollution targets with better traffic flows at the front of the station.”
“These initial proposals may be modest, but they are also an important step in delivering a wider vision.”
The station has seen passenger numbers grow steadily since 2011 with 8.7 million passenger movements recorded in 2017/18, predicted to increase to 12 million by 2023. In the longer term, the station revitalisation will provide a number of regeneration opportunities including new homes, business premises and leisure and recreation facilities.
Newcastle Central Station is the latest addition to Atkins’ portfolio of transport-led regeneration schemes in the North, which includes the masterplan for Sheffield Station and ongoing work on the Leeds Station masterplan, alongside leading roles on HS2 and Transport for the North.