Full demolition of Wolverhampton's old railway station complete
The full demolition of Wolverhampton's old railway station to make way for a new building has been completed in just over a month.
Work was carried out in August to tear down the building after part of the new station building opened to the public at the end of May.
Now ground works are set to be carried out to pave the way for the second phase of the building ahead of its completion early next year.
It forms part of a £150 million interchange scheme aimed at improving transport across the city – with the Metro extension forming part of it.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, cabinet member for city economy at Wolverhampton Council, said: "As we prepare for this month’s Wolverhampton Business Week the railway station is a beacon of the multi-billion-pound regeneration that is taking place across our city.
"Projects like the railway station, and other capital schemes like the i9 office development and Civic Halls are critical to our recovery from Covid-19 – creating jobs, driving further investment and giving our businesses confidence to get back on their feet and grow.
"Working under strict Covid-19 safety guidelines, contractors, Galliford Try, have made good progress on the phase 2 works and it won’t be long before we see the second part of our fantastic new railway station coming out of the ground.
"The completed Interchange will connect train, tram and bus in one place and will ultimately provide a gateway to our city that we can all enjoy using - and be proud of."
Retail units
Phase one of the new railway station included six ticket vending machines, a new home for the British Transport Police, toilet, accessibility and baby changing facilities, three retail units ready to be fitted out, and train crew accommodation.
The second phase will see three more retail units introduced – along with a customer waiting room and help point.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority, added: "With demolition complete we are another step closer to delivering a major transport hub in Wolverhampton city centre.
"This new rail, Metro and bus interchange will offer travellers a journey fully integrated into the wider West Midlands transport network, including HS2.
"As well as providing a modern gateway to the city centre for visitors it will be a catalyst for new investment, contributing to the jobs and growth the area needs."
Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of Wolverhampton Council, Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.
