The new face of New Street Station became clear after a full-scale section of the Station exterior was unveiled.
Network Rail has built a 200m2 section of mirror-polished stainless steel to select the best materials and construction techniques for the New Street Gateway redevelopment and learn how the Foreign Office Architects’ concept design will be brought to life.
The £600 million Gateway project will turn New Street into the world-class station that passengers deserve with more light and space, additional entrances and easier access to platforms.
The project is backed by Network Rail, Birmingham City Council, Advantage West Midlands, Centro and the Department for Transport. It will be delivered by Network Rail.
Andrew Skidmore, scheme sponsor at Network Rail, said: "Coming face to face with the stunning design for New Street you can’t help but be excited by what the Gateway project will deliver.
“It is at the heart of our plans to restore pride in Britain’s stations and by 2015, passengers will have the station they deserve and Birmingham will have another landmark building to be proud of.”
Advantage West Midlands is investing £100 million into Gateway, the biggest investment in a single project by any regional development agency in the country.
Mick Laverty, Chief Executive at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Today we glimpsed the bright, high-tech 21st century future of rail travel and the creation of an iconic city landmark that will boost the business, inward investment and tourism opportunities of tomorrow. It is a welcome confidence boost for a region hardest hit by the recession.”
Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Mike Whitby, added: “The proposed design for the station will create a truly iconic building for Birmingham. This section of the exterior gives an early indication of just how stunning Gateway will be when completed. In terms of both promoting passenger experience and aesthetic appearance Gateway will break new ground and enhance Birmingham’s reputation as a globally significant city and set a standard for others to follow.”
Geoff Inskip, chief executive of transport authority Centro said: “Today has given us the opportunity to see the dramatic visual impact the redevelopment of New Street Station will have. This façade really brings the exciting designs to life.
“This project will provide a stunning gateway to the region and, especially when teamed with other key transport projects like the extension of Metro and High Speed Rail, will truly give Birmingham the modern vibrant image and world class public transport system it deserves.”