feature
capable engineers to move the concept Reflections New jobs
into reality. The scheme is being project He also explained that he wanted the The Board estimate that with the
managed by Ian Redmayne of W S reflective material to create a form that added benefit of retail establishments
Atkins. reflects the city life around them. This will and the improvement to capacity, the
Alex explained that the theme closest enable people to see the reflections of local economy should benefit, creating
to his heart is the link between the city the sky, the new emerging city sky line, the potential for more than 10,000 new
and public transport, describing public the railway tracks and the trains as they jobs across the city. The overall
transport as the 'public space for today.' come and go. It sounds really good but I economic benefit to the community of
He emphasised that architects must cannot help worrying about who will keep Birmingham from this scheme is
express and amplify movement within a all of this reflective sheeting clean. I'm estimated to be in the region of £2.3
location. In Birmingham the station is sure there will be an answer. billion. I'm not sure how they arrive at
located right in the city centre which is this figure but it is substantial by
a great advantage but, the current Improved access for passengers anyone's standards.
station layout, acts as a barrier which The Gateway Project will cost £600
people have to walk round. The aim is million. It is estimated that it will double Signalling scheme
to ensure that the new design does not passenger capacity and the new concourse Work is due to start in 2009 and the
create such a barrier. It must be will be three and a half times bigger than new concourse is expected to be opened
designed as a thoroughfare for public at present. Also it will be enclosed by a in 2012 with all the work finished by
and passengers alike. His intention is for significant light-filled atrium. The scheme 2015. Alongside this work is the
the concourse to become a new square does not include for new platforms but the continuing £350 million refurbishment of
that is open for the city providing a new intention is to run longer trains to serve the signalling systems through New
public space. the increased capacity. Therefore, a Street and the west midlands. So, there
number of yet unspecified platforms will is a lot to look forward to.
Digital displays need to be extended.
Alex explained that the station will be There will be 14 new lifts and 42 new Competition
covered in reflective sheets of carefully escalators servicing 'brighter and cleaner There is a rumour that the city is
crafted and finished metal. It will platforms.' There will be eight new going to run a competition to rename
incorporate three high technology digital entrances to the station providing better the station when it is complete. It
displays which will make the entrances to links for passengers as well as the public. needs to be something fitting which will
New Street clear and easy to find. The iconic new façade to the station enhance the new image that will be
Passengers will also enjoy the benefits of should fit in well with the new style of projected by this exciting new design.
a redesigned atrium area which will flood architecture that is making people notice There is plenty of time for you to
the station with natural light. That will be Birmingham and its pursuit of good consider this, so get your thinking caps
a change! design. on. Any thoughts?
12 | the rail engineer | october 2008
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