Rail passengers in Newcastle are set to benefit from a multi-million pound investment to transform the station.

The investment is part of a £100m station improvement initiative developed by the Department for Transport in partnership with ourselves, the Association of Train Operating Companies and the Office for Rail Regulation, launched earlier this year to improve facilities for passengers without increasing the burden on the taxpayer.

Plans for Newcastle Central station include:

• a range of shops
• improved waiting rooms and toilets
• better signage
• alterations to the existing bridge
• new lifts and escalators
• new glazed canopies to increase natural light

Phil Verster, our route managing director for London North Eastern, said: "Newcastle station is an incredibly busy and important transport hub for the north east. These improvements will help passengers to get the best from the listed building. Significantly, the finished station will also give a better first impression to visitors to the city.


"We are working closely with the council and local business leaders to make sure our plans complement the city scheme to improve the area outside the station."

The station scheme is being developed in partnership with NE1 and Newcastle City Council who are seeking funds to improve the area outside the station for pedestrians, drivers, cyclists and visitors to the city and help kick-start the economic regeneration of the area. The Council and businesses in the city centre will also be investing in the project.

(CD)