BDP's Manchester Studio has been appointed by Arriva Trains Wales to masterplan a number of stations across the UK, including Swansea.

The new developments will benefit over six million passengers a year. For each masterplan, BDP is tasked with designing and integrating new features and refurbishing existing buildings.

Swansea Station, where work is due to commence later this month, is set to enjoy a larger concourse area, with better and more accessible passenger facilities, as well as new waiting shelters. In addition there will be a new booking office with extra ticket vending machines, toilets, digital information boards, shops and CCTV cameras. The station environment will also be significantly improved with refurbished canopies and modernised fittings that will blend in with existing architecture.

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The upgrading and redevelopment of the Arriva Wales estate is part of the nationwide NSIP programme. NSIP is a Department for Transport-backed scheme which is set deliver £150 million of improvements at approximately 200 stations in England and Wales over the next few years.

In Wales the Welsh Assembly has committed additional resources to improving its stations via and initiative labelled its NSIP+.

Peter Jenkins, Transport Architect Director for BDP's Manchester Studio, said: "For many travellers rail stations are the first thing they experience when arriving at a new destination and the impression they leave about the location is often indelible. For other rail users they are simply places to be enjoyed before boarding a train.

"In both cases the station environment contributes hugely to the overall passenger experience, so it is important that they are subject to the same investment and upgrades enjoyed by rolling stock and tracks.

"But in addition to being aesthetically pleasing and equipped with a range of modern facilities, stations also need to be functional. Being able to get information, buy tickets and catch the train is the primary purpose of the rail stations. Getting this balance right is what underpins BDP's approach to transport interchange planning and will inform our work for Arriva Wales."

(CD)