LGF update: All change for Central Metro Station

An exciting £6m scheme to modernise the Metro ticket hall and platforms at Central Metro station in Newcastle is starting to take shape.

The project, which is being part funded by a £2.5m contribution from the Local Growth Fund, began in September 2015 and is scheduled for completion later this year.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, has contributed £3.5m towards the work from its £350m Metro: all change modernisation programme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).

The Metro station at Central, which is used by 5.3 million passengers a year, is getting improvements to accessibility, information and waiting facilities, as well as a bright new look.

Director of Rail and Infrastructure at Nexus, Raymond Johnstone, said: “This project is transforming a key regional gateway for the millions of passengers who pass through every year.

“This is part of our current modernisation scheme which has already seen £200m invested in the Metro system. It’s great that we were able to secure extra money for the scheme thanks to the successful Local Growth Fund bid.

“Since the project began last autumn it has made good progress and passengers will already be able to see the new-look station taking shape.

“The work has meant we’ve had to do some stations closures and I am grateful to passengers for their patience during these periods of disruption.

“The long term gain will be a smart new Metro station at Central which will be great welcoming feature, especially for the growing number of tourists flocking to the region.”

Central will feature a predominantly white interior with feature walls picked out in a blue feature colour, helping assist passenger navigation. Improvements to the passenger waiting areas and platforms include new way-finding signage on the new vitreous enamel panels, plus new seating.

The work does mean that Central Metro has to close every evening at 8pm, Sunday to Thursday, with trains running through the station and not stopping. This is to allow contractor access.

Tolent are the construction contractors carrying out the refurbishment work on behalf of Nexus.