Birmingham New St / Grand Central construction thread (large images)

[HowardGWR]

It's done OK but was a dark dirty place. Mainly due to BR/RT/NR not spending money doing anything other than essential maintenance for many years. It's pleasing to see it getting the investment it deserves.

Yes it was the platform area that was so dismal. I understand that this will be much lighter in atmosphere, but there is a fundamental problem with underground places, whether they be car parks or railway vaults.

The LU seems to have known how to deal with this with bright tiling and symbols plus lots of gay advertising. It's cosy down there.

We can learn a lot from the past; it's not bunk.

 

[edwin_m]

On the Underground I would think the absence of noise and fumes from diesel trains helps a lot. Unfortunately the announced electrification schemes won't make much difference to the number of diesels at New Street, I think only the Rugeley service will go electric.

 

[Mugby]

Well I passed through a couple of times today and it really is amazing.

It's a bit disorientating at the moment because the old exit up to The Pallisades is now blocked off. The old main footbridge is still in use and there's a new parallel one but at the present time, it's escalators take you down to the west (Wolves) end and you have to double back if you want north or Derby line trains.

The new Stephenson St entrance is only yards away from the Navigation St entrance so it would seem a bit pointless having both.

The exits barriers were all open today but they are equipped with small oval shaped pods with waist high surrounds for the checkers to stand in and they have the retractable webbing tapes to pull across the ones which wont be in use.

Overall, it's looking good and there's plenty of seating and waiting area but I couldn't help feeling that, as with St Pancras, the emphasis is more on the shopping mall aspect rather than it's primary function.

 

[dvboy]

It does look very unfinished today, there are still information boards switched off and things with tape over them. The route through to the Pallasades is very long now! There were at least two escalators out of use this evening in the station, so already some early problems. I read somewhere they were 4 months behind on the overall project so perhaps that accounts for some of the unfinished look. The brand new stuff on the concourse looks good however.

 

[Ironside]

Are there any plans to reserve the land outside the station so that the throat to the station could be improved in the future if the impeding buildings were planned for redevelopment?

 

[Eagle]

On the Underground I would think the absence of noise and fumes from diesel trains helps a lot. Unfortunately the announced electrification schemes won't make much difference to the number of diesels at New Street, I think only the Rugeley service will go electric.

Rugeley services and some XC (at most one quarter, Manchester to Southampton/Bournemouth, assuming there isn't a major franchise rejig).

XC infill electrification (to Derby and Bristol), whilst widely speculated, won't happen until about 2025 at the earliest.

 

[sunday]

For anyone who has visited, what is the food/drink provision like at this "halftime" stage? I've got a brief wait between trains this week and would be interested in what's on offer.

Also have VT opened a new first class lounge in the station yet?

 

[the sniper]

For anyone who has visited, what is the food/drink provision like at this "halftime" stage? I've got a brief wait between trains this week and would be interested in what's on offer.

Well, there's no Burger King anymore...

 

[williamus]

The only major drawback I can see to the current interim arrangements is that whereas before you could go straight down the short escalators from the Palasades to the station, these are now closed off (but still in situ). If you want to go from the Bullring (sic) or the Palasades to the station you're channeled down a long set of zigzagging blank corridors several hundred yards long across the top of the station (I presume) and then back down so you emerge at the far end by the Stephenson Street entrance.

It's frustrating because the old escalators are still there and would be perfectly servicable but for the fact that they want you to go to the Stephenson Street not straight onto the platforms. Presumably it's a staffing and revenue protection issue? It may also be that they're going to block all this part off while they're building the new shopping mall, but I'm not convinced.

Ok... I know it's not the end of the world, but it's a right pain.

 

[pinguini]

It seems lovely and light; albeit a little sterile. I thought we would be getting electronic barriers, so much for improving upon the gateline checks.

I had a problem yesterday morning where my departure was from Platform 12B - which currently doesn't exist on the new concourse as they have only got as far as Platform 11! The staff didn't understand how to get to Platform 12B and the only signage was the old signage which obviously directs you in the wrong direction. There was a lot of stressed passengers. This needs sorting.

 

[williamus]

It seems lovely and light; albeit a little sterile. I thought we would be getting electronic barriers, so much for improving upon the gateline checks.

My understanding is that electronic barriers will come into operation when the Atrium and the shopping mall are opened in 2015.

 

[pinguini]

My understanding is that electronic barriers will come into operation when the Atrium and the shopping mall are opened in 2015.

I see, thanks!

 

[dvboy]

For anyone who has visited, what is the food/drink provision like at this "halftime" stage? I've got a brief wait between trains this week and would be interested in what's on offer.

Also have VT opened a new first class lounge in the station yet?

Yes there is a new First Class lounge

There isn't much beyond a Boots, WH Smith and M&S Simply Food and Costa, in the station so far, all of which were in the old station but each much bigger now. Of course the Pallasades is above (though a longer walk now), and many places just outside the station.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The only major drawback I can see to the current interim arrangements is that whereas before you could go straight down the short escalators from the Palasades to the station, these are now closed off (but still in situ). If you want to go from the Bullring (sic) or the Palasades to the station you're channeled down a long set of zigzagging blank corridors several hundred yards long across the top of the station (I presume) and then back down so you emerge at the far end by the Stephenson Street entrance.

It's frustrating because the old escalators are still there and would be perfectly servicable but for the fact that they want you to go to the Stephenson Street not straight onto the platforms. Presumably it's a staffing and revenue protection issue? It may also be that they're going to block all this part off while they're building the new shopping mall, but I'm not convinced.

Ok... I know it's not the end of the world, but it's a right pain.

The old escalators will disappear as that's were the open area of the finished concourse will be. They are also now on the ticketed side.

Eventually the new route to the Pallasades will be part of the shopping centre, most of it being John Lewis.

Depending where you are in the Pallasades it might be quicker to walk down the ramp and use the Stephenson Street entrance.

 

[williamus]

Depending where you are in the Pallasades it might be quicker to walk down the ramp and use the Stephenson Street entrance.

Yes, you're right. Stephonson Street entrance will be the easiest way in on foot in most circumstances

I admit I was being a bit petulant having got used to using the ramp and the escalators to come in and out of the station for more years than I like to think about it.

I guess it's pretty amazing to have got this far without chaos and confusion, let alone keeping the station running close-to-normal ... and it will be impressive when it's finished.

 

[trainophile]

What's my chances of making my connection on this Sunday 5th? I only have 20 mins. Usually that would be ample, but reading the above posts I'm getting a bit worried.

Coming in on the LM from Hereford, departing on the VT to MAN. Any chance these services always (or almost always) use the same platforms? If so that would help me plan my connection in advance, and save valuable minutes.

 

[Philip Elliott]

Only a handful of platforms are in use over the bank holiday. As the Hereford services tend to use the B end you shouldn't have a problem.

As for the station environment, you have to congratulate NR - they've taken a station famed for having an 'underground' feel at platform level (even though it isn't) and have now replicated it up on the concourse:roll:

It has a definite airport terminal feel to it but very cold and clinical. It certainly takes longer to access from the east and southside areas. As you leave the Hill St. "entrance", you get the delightful view of a strip club...

The pavement on the east side of Hill St. is shut so it requires crossing the road twice with some of the world's slowest changing pelican lights.

 

[cjmillsnun]

Yes it was the platform area that was so dismal. I understand that this will be much lighter in atmosphere, but there is a fundamental problem with underground places, whether they be car parks or railway vaults.

The LU seems to have known how to deal with this with bright tiling and symbols plus lots of gay advertising. It's cosy down there.

We can learn a lot from the past; it's not bunk.

The old concourse wasn't much better than the platforms. For what is the busiest station outside of London it was in a shambolic state. This total refurb is 20 years overdue.

 

[High Dyke]

What's my chances of making my connection on this Sunday 5th? I only have 20 mins. Usually that would be ample, but reading the above posts I'm getting a bit worried.

Coming in on the LM from Hereford, departing on the VT to MAN. Any chance these services always (or almost always) use the same platforms? If so that would help me plan my connection in advance, and save valuable minutes.

I passed through on Monday & Tuesday. More space to walk - better than the old cramped concourse and footbridge areas; even if it does have a non-descript feel to it on the inside.

When you arrive you need to head towards the 'closed' Navigation Street steps. You will find escalators that will take you up into the 'new' concourse/footbridge area. There is no change to the platform numbers so transfer shouldn't be too difficult within the specified timescale. There are plenty of TOC staff/NR Travel Champions about to ask.

Hopefully the attached map will be of use.

 

[swt_passenger]

As for the station environment, you have to congratulate NR - they've taken a station famed for having an 'underground' feel at platform level (even though it isn't) and have now replicated it up on the concourse:roll:

It's still a building site isn't it? Why not reserve judgement until it is completely finished?

 

[Chris125]

It's still a building site isn't it? Why not reserve judgement until it is completely finished?

...which is especially relevant given that the finished station will feature a central atrium allowing natural light into the concourse.

Chris

 

[Philip Elliott]

Most of the concourse unveiled is the finished article. The central atrium won't change the super low ceilings on the western paid concourse.

I've seen the detailed plans of the final station - there will be a riot everytime there is a platform change from 9 to 7 (or vice versa) which happens quite a lot! (There will be a requirement to pass though two sets of barriers to get between them.

What has riled so many has been the lack of mitigation during the work making the whole site a depressing place - the dispersal bridge now looks like a south London council estate.

The current layout is awful for anyone using the 'A' end of the station and/or those wishing to head East out of the station. Add in no access to Platform 12 from the new concourse and it is a grim 2.5 years ahead.

 

[Trog]

Not much impressed with the new New street, instead of the nice wide northern footbridge as an exit, the replacement is a single narrow escalator that has been switched off twice already this week.
Making people pack together on narrow platforms while waiting their turn to squeeze onto the escalator while a large modern footbridge stands empty can not be right.

Upstairs more queues to get through the one or two open gates on the ticket line.
Then a long walk round trudging behind the crowds to finally escape onto the street.

Coming back one night staff were enforcing a one-way system in the corridor down to the ticket barrier, so queues there while the odd few people walking against the flow had yards of width to themselves.

 

[Amy Worrall]

I've seen the detailed plans of the final station - there will be a riot everytime there is a platform change from 9 to 7 (or vice versa) which happens quite a lot! (There will be a requirement to pass though two sets of barriers to get between them.

Really? You won't be able to get between platforms without going through barriers?

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I had a short while to look around New Street yesterday (and rather longer at Reading earlier in the day).
I know both are incomplete, and Reading is more advanced, but I have to say Reading far outshines New Street as a place to catch or wait for trains.
The new part of Reading is large, airy, with great views and sightlines, a very impressive upgrade. It has managed to remain "friendly".

The new New Street concourse is curiously not level and has low ceilings.
The station was always hard to navigate and has now gained another layer of indirection.
It feels just like the Pallasades upstairs - a never-ending sequence of confusing outlets.
I was surprised to find a large bank of new Virgin ticket machines.
I can't think of another station where they are so dominant.

Neither station wins much for its PIS.
Everything is in the monochrome spidery dot-matrix style that NR has been rolling out for 15 years.
Where are the large colourful panel screens you see overseas or in airports?
There are so many trains at New Street that you only get five minutes-worth of departures on any one screen, and there are never enough screens.

Hopefully the finished article in 2015, with its new main entrance, will be much better.
I don't underestimate the challenge NR faced at New St but so far I'm underwhelmed.
It is still not a "friendly" station and still feels like a dungeon.

 

[HowardGWR]

I passed through on Monday & Tuesday. More space to walk - better than the old cramped concourse and footbridge areas; even if it does have a non-descript feel to it on the inside.

When you arrive you need to head towards the 'closed' Navigation Street steps. You will find escalators that will take you up into the 'new' concourse/footbridge area. There is no change to the platform numbers so transfer shouldn't be too difficult within the specified timescale. There are plenty of TOC staff/NR Travel Champions about to ask.

Hopefully the attached map will be of use.

Thanks for the map but did you manage to decipher what the symbol on the lower layout diagram means that, to me, looks like a bunch of interleaved sheets with a little blob on? They don't provide a key explanation. They are usually near the ticket gates where there is an escalator.

Belay that, sorry. I've now discovered (it was off my display screen) and is a cash machine.

 

[dvboy]

Platforms 4&5 so busy this evening I didnt even bother trying to get down there this evening.

Also, every morning this week I have got off a train at the A end of the platform and been one of just a handful of people going in the right direction to get to the exits!

Platforms so narrow they need to be one-way really - enter one end and exit the other.

Dont buy this having to go through two barriers to change platforms - you dont have to now (although from might be quicker) so cant see it happening once the concourse is complete.

Agree on the information screens. Not enough on the concourse, and shockingly lacking on some platforms.

 

[Philip Elliott]

Dont buy this having to go through two barriers to change platforms - you dont have to now (although from might be quicker) so cant see it happening once the concourse is complete.

In the finished station, the 'dispersal bridge' is still the main point of entry and exit onto the platforms. However because the ticket office is located in the western concourse there has to be a through route from the eastern concourse. The old ticket barriers (located between Platforms 6/7 and 8/9 will form part of the through route - the current Pasty Shop/Camden Food Co/ Upper Crust be demolished to make way for it. As a result of this through route, the entrances to the platforms will be formed into two 'pens' guarded by barriers with most of the station seating located within them (there won't be any waiting rooms on the platforms). Therefore if there is a platform change from any of 8-12 to any of 1-7 and vice versa it will be necessary to exit from one pen via a barrier into the other via another barrier unless one wants to walk all the way up to the 'B' end or via the subway if it is still available (not sure on that one).

 

[Batman]

In the finished station, the 'dispersal bridge' is still the main point of entry and exit onto the platforms. However because the ticket office is located in the western concourse there has to be a through route from the eastern concourse. The old ticket barriers (located between Platforms 6/7 and 8/9 will form part of the through route - the current Pasty Shop/Camden Food Co/ Upper Crust be demolished to make way for it. As a result of this through route, the entrances to the platforms will be formed into two 'pens' guarded by barriers with most of the station seating located within them (there won't be any waiting rooms on the platforms). Therefore if there is a platform change from any of 8-12 to any of 1-7 and vice versa it will be necessary to exit from one pen via a barrier into the other via another barrier unless one wants to walk all the way up to the 'B' end or via the subway if it is still available (not sure on that one).

So when the escalators down to platform 12 get fitted in June, will the part of the old concourse that is still being used be closed for good and there will only be set of escalators from the concourse to the platforms?

 

[swt_passenger]

In the finished station, the 'dispersal bridge' is still the main point of entry and exit onto the platforms. However because the ticket office is located in the western concourse there has to be a through route from the eastern concourse. The old ticket barriers (located between Platforms 6/7 and 8/9 will form part of the through route - the current Pasty Shop/Camden Food Co/ Upper Crust be demolished to make way for it. As a result of this through route, the entrances to the platforms will be formed into two 'pens' guarded by barriers with most of the station seating located within them (there won't be any waiting rooms on the platforms). Therefore if there is a platform change from any of 8-12 to any of 1-7 and vice versa it will be necessary to exit from one pen via a barrier into the other via another barrier unless one wants to walk all the way up to the 'B' end or via the subway if it is still available (not sure on that one).

Unless overtaken by events, the planning statement reckons there'll be three paid side concourse areas, (although they call them lounges):

There are three passenger lounges, the western lounge serves all 12 platforms and will function also as a primary lounge for interchange, the north-east lounge provides access to and from the eastern ‘a' end of Platforms 1-5, and the south-eastern lounge to platforms 6-12. The lounges will be supported by retail and catering facilities for passenger convenience.

 

[Philip Elliott]

So when the escalators down to platform 12 get fitted in June, will the part of the old concourse that is still being used be closed for good and there will only be set of escalators from the concourse to the platforms?

The dispersal bridge will stay open for longer but the steps to platform 12A may close.

Unless overtaken by events, the planning statement reckons there'll be three paid side concourse areas, (although they call them lounges):

Yes, hence my comment of "unless one wants to walk all the way up to the 'B' end". Going via the 'B' end will be no good when the xx.49 to Nottingham gets re-platformed - you'll miss it!

The western concourse is as narrow as the dispersal bridge but with only set of escalators - you'd be best to use the Navigation street bridge when it re-opens for 'B' end interchanges.