£26m transformation planned for Sunderland
AN exciting £26m revamp of Sunderland station has been unveiled by Sunderland City Council to give the city ‘the station it deserves’.
Working in partnership with Network Rail, Nexus, Grand Central and Northern Rail, Sunderland City Council is driving this essential project, beginning with the demolition of the current south entrance, clearing the way for the construction of a new glass and steel entrance which will create a visible landmark and overlook Market Square. The council says the plan will match the city’s ambitions and meets future needs.
A new ticket office and reception, public toilets, comfortable waiting areas and retail space and cafes will all be created, as well as improvements to accessibility. Office space on the new mezzanine level will be reserved for railway industry staff.
Within the plan are major works at platform level to increase capacity by creating a four track, four platform station that separates Tyne & Wear Metro, local and mainline services, allowing both to expand. A 400-space car park is included in the plans.
More than £16m has been secured from the Transforming
Cities Fund to progress southern entrance works, with the remaining balance coming from the council and partners including Nexus and
Network Rail.
Work is expected to get started in August with the new southern entrance set to open at the beginning of 2023.