Birmingham New Street is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its £750 million redevelopment this weekend, marking a decade since its transformation into one of the UK's most modern railway stations.
Since reopening on 20 September 2015, the station has welcomed more than 400 million passengers and seen over 3.5 million trains pass through, cementing its role as the busiest railway hub outside London.
The redevelopment delivered a huge atrium that floods the concourse with natural light, improved platforms, and direct access to the Grand Central shopping centre. It also created easier connections between trains and all corners of the city centre, helping drive regeneration across Birmingham.
In the last decade, New Street has become more than just a transport hub. It has evolved into a cultural and community focal point, hosting major art installations, fundraising events, musical performances, and even film crews. Highlights have included the 'Face of Suffrage' artwork marking 100 years of women’s voting rights, annual Poppy Appeal collections, charity sleep-outs, and the Midland Langar Seva Society's festive meals for those in need.
The station has also staged performances by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, welcomed millions of visitors during the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and became home to “Ozzy the bull,” the Games’ iconic opening ceremony figure. It has featured in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Channel 4’s The Piano, while also hosting surprise performances such as a flash mob from The Rocky Horror Show cast.
Birmingham New Street's role during the Covid-19 pandemic was also critical, supporting thousands of key workers who relied on rail travel during the crisis.
Denise Wetton, Network Rail's Central route director, said: "The last decade has been amazing for Birmingham New Street, passengers and the wider city and region and we have helped get millions of people to and from their destinations safely and reliably.
"There have also been so many memorable events and performances that we have supported and enabled, a highlight being the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games which was so positive and inspirational for the city. But there's also been more serious times, when thousands of key workers relied on the railway to be able to continue to help everyone during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Whatever the challenge, good or bad, the station and its amazing team have always stepped up to make sure passengers and everyone else who uses it got the service, help and support they needed.
"We continue to improve the station and there are many exciting things in the future that we will play a key part in, including welcoming the Invictus Games to Birmingham in 2027 and the UEFA Euros in 2028. It's extra special to be marking this 10 year anniversary during Railway 200 which is all about celebrating the past, present and the future of rail - which Birmingham New Street most certainly is."
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