Work has completed on Birmingham New Street station’s new atrium roof – marking another important milestone in the station’s redevelopment.
The final piece of the station’s new atrium roof covering was put into place on September 16.
The roof is made from the same high-tech material as the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Chris Montgomery, Network Rail’s project director for the Birmingham New Street project, said the translucent roof covering will allow natural light to stream down through the atrium onto the huge new concourse below.
However, 6,000 tonnes of concrete will have to be removed from two floors of the old Pallasades shopping centre first.
He said: “As our work to transform New Street station continues, excitement among our 1,000-strong workforce is really starting to build. Piece by piece, the design and concept for the station is being brought to life and it’s great to see the last section of the new roof covering lifted into place.
“Completing the atrium structure and covering it in its Eden Project-like material is a real milestone but we’re already looking forward to the next step. Demolishing part of the former Pallasades will flood the new concourse with natural light from above, transforming the experience of millions of passengers who will use this fantastic new station when it opens in about a year’s time.”
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “Birmingham needs a station that reflects the city’s growing reputation as a strong, vibrant and modern city and I am confident that, with just over a year to go before the work is complete, New Street will deliver that.
“This is a great achievement and a fantastic example of how the £38 billion being invested in the UK’s rail network, as part of our long-term economic plan, is making real improvements for passengers.”
