The redeveloped station at Birmingham New Street will be unveiled on 20th September, a notable landmark in a challenging construction programme that got underway five years ago.
It’s a long way from the concrete monolith opened by British Rail in March 1967 when electric services to the capital were introduced on the West Coast Main Line. The new New Street has a concourse five times bigger than the one BR provided. It’s bathed in light from a vast atrium roof, formed of a 200-tonne steel frame covered in ETFE, a self-cleaning plastic. 15 lifts and 36 escalators ease passenger flows to the 12 decluttered platforms and retail areas.
With less than a fortnight to go before the hoardings come down, an army of 3,000+ workers are fitting out the retail units and installing station furniture. There’s a heady mix of tension and anticipation.
I went to New St Station last year and found it the most confusing, awkward station to move around in. Could not find platform, or anywhere I needed. It needs “meet and Greet” people to assist you to where you need to go
I’ve used New Street a lot to change trains, I found it somewhat better during the rebuild but it seems ridiculous now. Heaven knows what it must be like for those travelling for the first time,
Reminds me of Westfield Stratford or Lakeside but completely different. Nice new shopping centre next to Birmingham New Street railway station.
Have you ever been to Birmingham? It’s basically a shopping centre with the platforms underneath. Changing trains is worse than ever.
I been to Birmingham twice.