Station District
The Area:
The existing rail station is a Victorian structure constructed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel on the Great Western main line. The station itself requires renovation and in particular pedestrian access via existing subways provides an unattractive and threatening environment. The station yard area is currently occupied by rail freight operation and a long stay car park. Queensway is segregated dual carriageway that only allows limited crossing opportunities for pedestrians. Bridge Street and the Cambrian Centre is a mixed use area that includes retail, leisure and office uses. The retail functions in the Cambrian centre however, do not perform well.
Vision:
In order to transform the image of Newport, the current experience of arriving in the City by train must be addressed. A new gateway into Newport will be created by transforming the existing Railway Station and providing a more appropriate civic space in this important gateway location. Pedestrians will be able to flow directly into the City Centre. Queensway will be transformed into a new pedestrian-friendly urban boulevard with active uses along each edge.
The transformation will begin with a new £25 million rail station including:
- an extension and redevelopment of Platform 4, which will take Intercity trains to London;
- a new footbridge, which will allow people to cross easily from one side of the station to the other;
- a light airy concourse, which will lead passengers out onto a landscaped boulevard with slow-moving traffic;
- a new multi-storey car park in station grounds;
- a new bus/rail interchange will encourage passengers to use public transport.
Start of work commenced in late 2006, with all phases of the project being completed by 2009 in advance of the staging of The 2010 Ryder Cup.
Model of how the new station will look
Latest News:
Newport City Council are currently working on a draft SPG; Station Yard Urban Design Framework to guide any future development on the site in line with the aspirations of the City Centre Masterplan.
In August 2008, Network Rail commissioned detailed designs for the new stations. These have been received and work started on site in January 2009. Completion is expected by August 2010.
Work is completed on the extension and redevelopment of Platform 4.
The modus owned Cambrian Centre is expected to undergo a significant refurbishment in 2010.
For further information please click here to be redirected to the Downloads page to access the Newport Unlimited Factsheets, Masterplan and project updates.
