The historic canopy at the Whitely Bay Tyne and Wear Metro station is set to enjoy a £5.3 restoration with planning permission having been granted for the work last year. The work will start soon and comes soon after an incident where panes of glass were blow out during a storm earlier this year.
The canopy is a grade II listed structure and dates back to the Edwardian era. The work involved will include the replacement of glazing and refurbishment of the steel work. Buckingham Group have been appointed to complete the work after a detailed procurement process.
Cathy Massarella, Nexus Major Projects Director, said: “This major conservation project will restore Whitley Bay Metro station to its former glory. The building is Grade II listed, built in 1910, and is an important gateway into North Tyneside from the Tyne and Wear Metro. The canopy needs to be refurbished and we are progressing the work as part of our Metro modernisation programme.
“We are delighted to have appointed Buckingham Group Ltd to carry out this major project on behalf of Nexus. The restoration work will focus on the canopy and the steelwork. The steel will undergo remedial repair work and will be repainted. We will also replace the glazing, restoring the glazing across the tracks as it was originally constructed.
“Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. The station has proudly served Metro since the network opened. This project will ensure that the station is there for locals and visitors to enjoy for many decades to come.”
The glass in the canopy will be replaced with more robust modern alternatives and there will be strengthening and repainting of the steelwork. The glazing above the Metro tracks will be reinstated, providing a more sheltered environment for passengers.
Norma Redfearn DBE, North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, said: “As well as being a source of pride for local people, Whitley Bay Station one of the finest examples of Edwardian railway architecture anywhere in Britain. The canopy is one of its most striking features and we look forward to seeing the restoration take shape.”
The station will remain open throughout the work. There will be public drop-in session on Tuesday 23rd May 1100-1300 and Thursday 25th May 1600-1800 in the portico at the Station Road entrance of the station.