A £5.3m project to restore the historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station has entered an important phase, with works now underway to install the new glazing.
The Grade II listed structure, which dates back to the Edwardian era, is undergoing a major restoration programme which will see the glazing replaced and the metalwork fully restored to its former glory.
Nexus, the public body which runs Metro, has now started the process of installing thousands of panes of glass into the vast station canopy.
A total of 1,296 panes are being fitted, which works out as 2,000 square metres of new glazing.
The work follows a period of detailed grit blasting and repainting of the canopy’s steelwork.
Whitley Bay Metro station and the three businesses based there remain fully open and that will be the case for the duration of the project, which is set for completion in the spring of 2025.
Sarah McManus, Head of Renewals at Nexus, said: “I’m pleased to say that we have started the process of putting in the new glazing as part of the major £5.3m restoration scheme on Whitley Bay station’s canopy.
“There are close to two thousand new panes of glass going into the canopy, which will help to bring this historic structure back to its former glory.
“We’ve already done a huge amount with the steel work by grit blasting and then repainting it.
“The Metro station and the businesses located there will continue to remain open throughout the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed next spring.
“Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. The station has proudly served the 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.”
There are three businesses based at Whitley Bay Metro station – an artisan café called Dil & the Bear, a craft ale bar called the Ticket Office, and a yoga studio called The Yoga Station.
All three outlets remain open, and signage is in place to show customers that it’s business as usual.
The glass in the station canopy will be replaced with more robust modern alternatives, while there will be strengthening and repainting of the steelwork.
This includes the glazing directly above the Metro tracks which will be reinstated to provide a more sheltered environment for customers.
Whitley Bay station gained its Listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened.
Kier, a leading provider of Infrastructure Services, Construction and Property Developments, is carrying out the work on behalf of Nexus.
Image/video credit: Nexus/Kier
