Milestone for Sunderland rail station revamp as frame adds to city skyline

Multi-million-pound work to transform a city’s rail station has hit a milestone.

Contractors have erected the steel frame that will provide a new entrance to Sunderland’s train hub.

The huge sections were fabricated on Wearside by Harry Marsh Engineers.

Bosses say the entrance shell will be finished by the end of March, once roof and walling systems have been installed.

The glazed structure will include a ticket office and reception, public toilets, retail space and cafes, waiting areas and offices on a mezzanine level.

 

 

Construction company BAM Nuttall has led the development since demolition work ended in October.

Paul Abraham, BAM senior project manager, said: “The transformation of Sunderland Station is a landmark development for the city, and we are really excited to be part of it.

“The completion of the steel frame marks a major milestone; passengers and the public can finally see the structure taking shape.”

In 2019/2020, around 1.5 million Metro trips were made from and to the station, with nearly 430,000 trips made using the national rail network.

 

 

And officials say they expect the numbers to continue growing.

Martin Kearney, managing director at Nexus, which operates Metro services, said: “This project is such a significant part of the city-wide transformation programme.

“We are looking forward to seeing the new station taking shape and our new Metro trains calling there in the future.”

Luke Durston, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, added: “The complete overhaul will bring huge benefits for passengers travelling to and from Sunderland, including better station facilities and a more welcoming environment.”