Byker Metro station is in line for a major refurbishment in the hope of making it “brighter, cleaner and more modern”.
Transport chiefs have revealed that they are drawing up plans for a renovation of the Metro stop, in Newcastle’s East End, that could start in 2025 if funding can be found for it. The revamp could include better lighting, seating, and security measures, while Metro operator Nexus says it also wants to work with Newcastle City Council to improve the area around the station.
One major change that could be coming as part of the redesign is a return of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that was a feature of the station when it first opened in 1982. The window was removed in 2003 after being targeted by vandals and was replaced by a solid wall which has since been used to display a changing set of artwork.
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But Nexus is now considering bringing the glass wall back, returning passengers’ view towards Newcastle city centre as they head through the ticket barriers, potentially with a piece of art incorporated into the new installation.
Customer services director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “We are seeking the funding to transform Byker Metro station, used by 600,000 customers a year, in order to give this important gateway into the east end of Newcastle a brighter, cleaner and more modern appearance, in line with other station refurbishments on our network in recent years.
“As part of this process we are giving people the chance to give us their views on whether or not we should reinstate the floor to ceiling glass wall that used to be at the rear of the ticket concourse. The glass wall was there when the station first opened in 1982, providing views towards the Ouseburn valley and Newcastle city centre.
“It was eventually removed and since 2003 it has been a valued space to display art work, including community projects funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle City Council and other bodies, and some have been partnerships with galleries including Baltic and Northern Print.”
Nexus has launched a public consultation on the glass wall idea, asking locals whether they would want to see it returned or for the existing wall and its temporary art installations to remain.
Mr Lewis added: “Anyone can have their say on this by going to the consultation page on our website, www.nexus.org.uk/consultation. We will be sharing more about our plans for Byker Metro station with the community as the project develops, and when the funding is in place to undertake the works.”
