Plans for Birmingham New Street revealed
These are the visionary new designs that will transform Birminghams New Street station into a 21st century showpiece
The striking concept designs, clad in shimmering, reflective metal, will create a bold, modern gateway to the city for the millions of people using the station each year.
The iconic design is the work of the renowned Foreign Office Architects. They beat dozens of rivals, including many of the worlds top practices to win an international competition and land the prestigious project.
Cllr Gary Clarke, chairman of Centro, the regions passenger transport authority, said: This exciting design will see New Street station become an iconic landmark for the city. It is also an important step in our efforts to transform public transport in the West Midlands and create a truly world class system
The station will be covered in reflective sheets of carefully crafted and finished metal and will incorporate three high technology digital displays which will make the entrances to New Street clear and easy to find.
Passengers will also enjoy the benefits of a re-designed atrium area which will flood the station with light.
The s600 million Gateway project, a joint scheme between Birmingham City Council, Network Rail, Advantage West Midlands and Centro, will double passenger capacity and create;
A concourse that is three-anda-half times bigger than at present and enclosed by a giant light-filled atrium
More accessible, brighter and clearer platforms, serviced by 42 new escalators and 14 new lifts
An iconic new station fa(TM)ade, adding to Birminghams growing reputation for good design
Better links to and through the station for pedestrians with eight new entrances
the stimulus for the physical regeneration of the areas surrounding the station leading to the potential creation of over 10,000 new jobs across the city
Alejandro Zaera-Polo, principal architect for Foreign Office Architects, stated:
We were inspired by the movement of people and trains at New Street and the beauty of the skyline. Our concept reflects all these components.
We are proud to work on such an important project and I look forward to being part of the integrated team which takes this vital scheme from concept to reality.
The New Street Gateway Steering Group is made up of representatives from: Birmingham City Council, Network Rail, Centro and Advantage West Midlands.
The international design competition was coordinated by RIBA, on behalf of the funding partners. The final design was chosen by a panel of representatives from each of the funding partners, chaired by Sir Bernard Zissman.
