The work at Manchester Victoria supports Network Rail's plans for the Northern Hub which provides the opportunity for 700 more trains per day and 3.5 million more passengers each year through enhancements to the rail network, which includes a significantly greater role for Manchester Victoria and a new connection between Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.
The transformation of Manchester’s Victoria railway station into a bright, clean, modern facility fit for the 21st century. Network Rail has awarded a contract to Hyder Consulting to cover the first three stages of a process that will make the station almost unrecognisable by 2014. Hyder has subsequently appointed BDP as architects to deliver the project.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: "The restoration of Victoria Station will contribute greatly to the continued regeneration of this area of the city, delivering both economic and environmental benefits. The much needed transformation will bring the faded glory of the station into the 21st century and ensure that passengers have the modern facilities expected of one of the city's key transport hubs."
Network Rail is considering using a roofing system called ETFE, similar to that at Piccadilly station. The roof totals just over 6,300 square metres and is big enough to house an Airbus A380. Using ETFE will mean the entire station will be flooded with natural light.
Other facilities considered include:
- A glazed screen between platforms and concourse to improve the concourse environment and provide protection from the weather (similar to Piccadilly station) and glazed station entrance doors;
- Possible relocation of the ticket office and provision of a centrally located travel centre;
- Work to protect the heritage features of the station such as the external façade and canopy, the war memorials, the dome roof in the café, and the station mosaics;
- Potential for improved and additional retail facilities;
- Provision for step-free access to the arena, and additional Metrolink platforms, if required in the future.