The first phase of the rebuild of Wolverhampton station has been completed and reopens to the public on Monday 25 May 2020.
Phase one includes six ticket vending machines, new British Transport Police, toilet, accessibility and baby changing facilities, three retail units ready to be fitted out and train crew accommodation.
Station signage has been installed and a clear pedestrian access route to the new station entrance will be marked out around the phase two works, which will begin immediately.
However, the full benefits of the new facility will not be felt for some time as people are currently being urged to follow the government’s guidance and not travel by train unless it is absolutely essential. Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) social distancing measures, a one-way system has been marked out at the station for people to follow and both West Midlands Railway and sister company London Northwestern Railway are urging customers to buy their tickets online in advance if possible.
The opening of the first phase is a major milestone in the city’s £150 million Interchange development that will better connect train, tram and bus. Phase two of the programme will see the demolition of the remainder of the current station building and completion of the new build to house three more retail units, as well as a customer waiting room and help point.
West Midlands Railway.
The completed station is expected to be fully open in early 2021.
Jonny Wiseman, head of customer experience for West Midlands Railway, said: “This bright, modern building will bring huge benefits to our customers at Wolverhampton and the wider region.
“For now, the railway is reserved for only the most essential journeys, but we can look forward with excitement to this superb facility serving the whole community for many decades to come.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “The new Wolverhampton Railway Station is a crucial part of public transport plans for the West Midlands and I am pleased the WMCA could help play its part in making it happen alongside City of Wolverhampton Council and other partners.
Mayor of the West Midlands.
“Of course, at the moment we are urging people to follow the government’s guidelines and only use public transport if it is absolutely essential, meaning we are not expecting many passengers to see the new station yet. But this will all change when restrictions ease further and we begin to encourage people back onto public transport.
“Not only that, soon Wolverhampton commuters will be able to travel seamlessly across the region, with the West Midlands Metro extension along Pipers Row set to link to this new station as well as the existing bus station. The new station is a brilliant development for the city, and yet another example of how partnership working is benefitting the West Midlands.”
Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.
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