Train operator Grand Central is set to give a series of stations a new lease of life as part of £2.6m investment plans.
First Class lounges, wireless charging points and solar panelled waiting rooms are among the improvements pledged to bring extra comfort to commuters - and station workers - in the refurbishment programme.
The firm, which provides services connecting the North East and Yorkshire with London, said it is demonstrating its continued commitment to the communities it serves through the significant investment.
The plans will see Sunderland train station receive a “cosmetic refresh”, including new decorations and signage.
Staff at the station will also benefit from new accommodation, allowing them to have a greater presence within the station.
Hartlepool’s train station will also receive a number of upgrades, including wireless charging points, improved seating and breakfast bar style workstations.
Eaglescliffe will receive a new First Class lounge as well as a standard class waiting room. The facilities will have charging points for passengers as well as new workstation areas. The waiting room will also make use of solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
Other stations that will benefit from Grand Central’s investment are Bradford Interchange, Thirsk, Brighouse, Mirfield and Wakefield Kirkgate.
Sean English, chief operating officer at Grand Central, said: “We are delighted to announce further details of this phase of our major investment programme to improve the station facilities along our routes.
"It reinforces our commitment to investing in the communities we serve and enhancing facilities for the benefit of current and future customers.
“It is hugely important to us that our customers enjoy the best possible experience when travelling with Grand Central and that starts at the station. We have listened to our customers and taken on board what they have asked for. Ultimately, we want to look after them at every stage of their journey, offering modern, inviting and accessible facilities at the stations along our routes. It’s about creating spaces that people in communities can enjoy and feel proud of and breathing new life into previously unused areas.
“We are looking forward to the completion of the projects and can’t wait for people passing through the stations to experience the benefits for themselves and come back time and time again.”
