Main construction work on Wolverhampton's railway station set to be completed
Main construction work on Wolverhampton's "critical" new railway station will be completed this week, it has been revealed.
Leaders have hailed the progress of the scheme which forms part of a £150 million scheme to boost transport across the city.
It has been branded a "historic regeneration milestone" in the city as the building is ready to be handed over to transport chiefs.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: "This is a historic moment in Wolverhampton’s history and is symbolic of the multi-billion-pound regeneration that is taking place in our city.
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"It has been a long-held ambition to build a railway station befitting of our great city and connect train, tram, cycle and bus in one place to provide a gateway to Wolverhampton that everyone can be proud of. I am delighted that we as a council have delivered on this vision thanks to strong collaborative work with all our partners.
"Covid-19 restrictions mean many people will not yet have seen the new station and I cannot wait for the time to come when these impressive new facilities can be used to their maximum by everyone. The railway station development is a big part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre to help boost the local economy, create jobs and make the most of our canalside areas, where we have major housing plans."
Phase one of the station has been opened to the public since May last year with train services running, while contractors Galliford Try have been working on the second phase of the scheme.
The contractors are ready this month to begin the 'entry into service' and handover period with West Midlands Railway and Network Rail to ensure the remainder of the new station building – the equipment and facilities – are tested before a date is announced for it to fully open to the public.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "This fantastic new Wolverhampton Railway Station is a critical part of our public transport plans for the West Midlands.
"The station links up with both the new Midland Metro extension along Pipers Row, the bus station and the new West Midlands Cycle Hire network, meaning residents in Wolverhampton will be able to travel seamlessly across the West Midlands.
"I’m delighted that the building work has continued throughout lockdown, supporting much-needed jobs and apprenticeships, and meaning the station is ready for the public as we emerge from the pandemic."
The move forms part of the city's award-winning £150m Interchange scheme which is delivering improvements to bus, tram, cycle and train connectivity in the city.
The works compound in front of the new station will remain in place to enable Midland Metro Alliance to complete the final section of the tram extension to the station plaza.
Ion Developments managing director, Steve Parry, said: "Delivering the Interchange scheme is one of our most notable achievements to date - and the completion of the state-of-the-art railway station is very much the pinnacle of this.
"The success of this award-winning development is testament to a unique collaborative approach, led by the council, which we believe will become an exemplar for other towns and cities.
"The delivery team including contractors, Galliford Try and architects, Austin Smith Lord, has been fundamental in overcoming challenges and creating a design that integrates seamlessly into the Interchange masterplan.
"We look forward to seeing the railway station enjoyed by the people of Wolverhampton as the city opens up in the coming months."
Phase one of the railway project saw six ticket vending machines, a new base for British Transport Police, a toilet, baby changing facilities and three retail units among other improvements.
The second phase – which was designed to ensure the work didn't impact on train services – will see three more retail units, as well as a customer lounge and a dedicated customer help point.
Brenda Lawrence, head of stations for West Midlands Railway, added: "Wolverhampton is one of the biggest and most important stations on our network and the completion of the new building marks a major milestone for the city and the wider railway.
"With passenger numbers expected to increase over the coming months our station team are looking forward to welcoming our customers back to the railway and showcasing these fantastic new facilities."
The project has been spearheaded by the Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership, which is formed of Wolverhampton Council, Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership and SLC Rail.
Network Rail and West Midlands Railway plan to carry out refurbishment works to the pedestrian subway that leads into the rear of the station. But it will remain closed in the meantime – with a recommended, temporary pedestrian diversion route already in place for people who want to access the station via Wednesfield Road.
