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Home Infrastructure Whitley Bay Metro station’s historic canopy set for £5.3 million restoration

Whitley Bay Metro station’s historic canopy set for £5.3 million restoration

Whitley Bay Metro station’s historic canopy is to be restored to its former glory in a £5.3 million restoration project.

The Grade II listed structure, which dates back to the Edwardian era, will undergo a major programme of restoration work which will see the glazing replaced and the steel work refurbished.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, obtained planning permission to carry out major works on the listed station building last year, and has appointed Buckingham Group following a detailed procurement process.

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Whitley Bay Metro station will remain open to customers for the duration of the works.

Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “This major conservation project will restore Whitley Bay Metro station to its former glory.

“The building is Grade II listed, built in 1910, and is an important gateway into North Tyneside from the Tyne and Wear Metro. The canopy needs to be refurbished and we are progressing the work as part of our Metro modernisation programme.

“We are delighted to have appointed Buckingham Group Ltd to carry out this major project on behalf of Nexus.

“The restoration work will focus on the canopy and the steelwork. The steel will undergo remedial repair work and will be repainted. We will also replace the glazing, restoring the glazing across the tracks as it was originally constructed.

“Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. The station has proudly served Metro since the network opened. This project will ensure that the station is there for locals and visitors to enjoy for many decades to come.”

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn DBE said: “As well as being a source of pride for local people, Whitley Bay Station one of the finest examples of Edwardian railway architecture anywhere in Britain. The canopy is one of its most striking features and we look forward to seeing the restoration take shape.”

Rob Harwood, Contracts Director for Buckingham, said: “We are delighted to have secured this exciting, important, restoration project, and to continue our long-term relationship with Nexus. In restoring the canopy our aim is to protect and enhance the structure so that the people of North Tyneside can enjoy the benefits of this important station for many years to come.”

The glass in the canopy will be replaced with more robust modern alternatives, while there will be strengthening and repainting of the steelwork.

The glazing directly above the Metro tracks will be reinstated, providing a more sheltered environment for customers.

Whitley Bay station gained its Listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened.

Nexus will be holding public drop-in sessions on Tuesday 23 May, 11am-1pm and Thursday 25 May, 4pm-6pm for people to find out more about the project. Both events will be in the portico at the Station Road entrance of Whitley Bay Metro station.

Photo credit: Nexus

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