Public thumbs-up for new look New Street

Sep 19 2008 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail

THE exciting, “cathedral-like” plans to transform Birmingham’s New Street station have been applauded by train passengers.

City leader Coun Mike Whitby said sheets of crafted metal and soaring glass atriums would place Birmingham “on the international map for very high quality, daring design”.

Work is expected to begin on the £600 million scheme next year and will be completed by the end of 2014.

Ryan Robinson, a 25-year-old data analyst from Wolverhampton, said: “I think it looks very impressive.

“Birmingham is on the up and has been for a few years now.

“The station would look much better than it does so I guess these plans would play a part in that.

“I think the council should extend the Metro to get more visitors in.”

Bev Dobbs, a housewife from Droitwich, said: “It looks absolutely fantastic.

“I think it will be a very nice addition to the city.

“Everything seems to be happening quite quickly now since the Bullring was built and people are really starting to notice how great a city Birmingham is.

“I love Birmingham – it’s changed so much over the last few years.

“The shops are great and the buildings are improving too.”

Ahmad Iqbal, aged 52, a chemicals worker from Sparkhill, said: “It looks nice from the photos in the Birmingham Mail.

“It’s something new isn’t it, which the city needs.

“It’s very important to have a new station because it immediately gives people a good impression of the place.”

Oliver Rostron, a 20-year-old student from Selly Oak, said: “It’s a lot of money to be fair and it could be spent on other things but it’s an integral part of Birmingham and a lot of people use it, so it’s probably a good thing. If it’s not going to improve the rail service maybe it’s a waste of money.”

Charlotte Goodman, aged 16, who is a student from Edgbaston, said: “It’s definitely something that’s needed.

“It improves people’s perspective of the city when they first arrive.

“I think it will be worth it.

“I use the station quite a lot so I think it will be good.”