Railway station demolition set to start

Demolition of Wolverhampton’s railway station is set to get underway, marking the start of the next phase in delivering a £150m transport hub for the city.

Wolverhampton Interchange partners said the first Galliford Try machines have moved in to establish the temporary station accommodation and works compound on the Banana Yard.

Hoardings will then be installed to enable the first phase of full demolition to start in early July.

The British Transport Police building and a small section of the current station building next to Platform 1 will be demolished, paving the way for the first section of the new station building to be erected.

It will become operational to customers by summer 2019, when phase 2 of the programme will also start.

Throughout the works rail services will continue to operate as normal from the current station building, while the new state-of-the-art railway station to serve the city emerges adjacent to it by 2020.

Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership comprises City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Virgin Trains, West Midlands Trains, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.

Council leader and WMCA portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Roger Lawrence, said: “Our vision for the City of Wolverhampton Interchange is rapidly becoming a reality.

“There is £3.7bn of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced – this new state-of-the-art station will deliver that.”

The new station will be connected directly to a tram stop, once work is completed on the Midland Metro city centre extension. The Midland Metro Alliance are currently delivering the next phase on Pipers Row before continuing down Railway Drive to the railway station.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “This project is about more than just creating a transport hub, where buses, trains, trams, cycling and walking come together and provide enhanced links to the new HS2 network.

“This is something altogether more bold. This is also about accelerating the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre, bringing jobs, opportunities and growth. Simply, this is one of the key gateways into the city, a city that deserves a world-class welcome.

“The WMCA recognises the vital role this project plays in the ongoing success story of Wolverhampton, which is why we were enthusiastic in supporting the project.”

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