BAM removes Sunderland’s ‘eyesore’ railway station from city’s skyline
Sunderland, 1 November 2022 - BAM has completed the first step a £26 million revamp of Sunderland Station.
The southern entrance of Sunderland's station is gone, with demolition work which started in the summer now complete. The old building has been completely dismantled as part of a committed £26 million revamp of the station, which is part of a £100 million plan to transform the whole transport hub.
Driven by Sunderland City Council, in partnership with Network Rail, Nexus, Grand Central and Northern Rail, BAM will now begin work on a glazed structure to deliver a light, bright and airy welcome to Sunderland.
Watch the demolition here:
The full makeover also includes platform-level works to increase the capacity of the station, with four tracks and four platforms to separate Nexus and Metro from mainline services; 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 rail industry staff.
Part of the facility will remain in use with travellers by rail and Metro being diverted to the north entrance - which will itself be revamped following the completion of the first programme of work.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: ‘The old station was an eyesore and we're really pleased to see the back of it as work advances on the transformation of this key point of arrival. The city centre is changing by the day – new buildings are rising into the sky, tired old buildings are disappearing and we're starting to see a really exciting ‘heart’ for Sunderland emerge. It’s a brilliant time for the city right now.’
Huw Jones, Managing Director – Transport for BAM, said: ‘It’s wonderful to reach this first step in the regeneration of Sunderland Station. The demolition of the old station has already made a dramatic difference to the city centre and now we begin work on a new Transport Hub which is fit for the future. The modern design of the new station will reflect the city Sunderland is becoming while the added facilities and transport routes will spark growth and support the regeneration which has already begun.’