Network Rail has appointed BAM to build the new southern entrance of Sunderland's railway station.

BAM has been awarded the contract through the Network Rail Framework, and preparatory works are due to begin in early 2022, with demolition of the existing southern entrance clearing the way for the construction of a new statement building, which will overlook Market Square.

The new entrance features a large glass wrap around design, and will include a new ticket office and reception, public toilets, retail space and cafes, comfortable waiting areas, as well as a new mezzanine level that will have office space reserved for railway industry staff.

It is the first part of a six-year programme that will see the northern entrance of the station reimagined and platform-level works undertaken to increase the capacity of the station, with four tracks and four platforms to separate Nexus and Metro from mainline services.

Rob Storrie, project director for BAM Nuttall ,said: "We know that this project has been a long-time in the making for Sunderland’s rail passengers and we’re delighted to get the green light to proceed. Our priority throughout will be to deliver this project safely and with minimum of disruption to passengers. Working with Network Rail and train operators, we will be putting temporary ticketing and access measures in place within the next few weeks before dismantling of the old station begins. We hope that the new station will be a welcome change for all passengers. The building features a glazed façade that will help create a bright welcoming concourse. It will provide a much more fitting gateway to Sunderland and we hope that it will encourage even greater use of the railway in the North East."

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Tony Fitzgerald, construction director for BAM Construct UK's North East team, said: "We have significant buildings under construction across Teesside, Tyneside and further afield. You cannot fail to see the significance of the new station to Sunderland’s appeal to visitors and commuters alike. We’ll work closely and effectively with our colleagues in BAM Nuttall, as we have down the coast at Redcar Cinema, to create sustainable, high-quality facilities that add value back to the community."

BAM Construct UK was the contractor behind the Network Rail National Centre. It is also at work on Home Group’s headquarters in Newcastle, and the Northern School of Art, in Middlesbrough.

The company has committed to deliver a range of community wealth building commitments, meaning that local people and businesses will benefit heavily from the £26 million construction programme, which has been part-funded by the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).

The overall TCF package for Sunderland Station improvements and associated works is £16.3 million.

Working in partnership with Network Rail, Nexus, Grand Central and Northern Rail, Sunderland City Council is driving this project as the first stage of redevelopment of the whole station, which will create an integrated public transport network that matches the city's ambitions and meets future needs.