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National
Kristy Dawson

Whitley Bay Metro station's historic canopy to be restored in £5.3m project after storm damage

A railway station's historic canopy will be "restored to its former glory" in a £5.3m project.

The Grade II listed structure at Whitley Bay Metro Station dates back to the Edwardian era.

Glass tiles on the roof were damaged by Storm Otto and one fell during the high winds on February 17.

Read more: Tyne and Wear Metro reliability crisis: Services getting better after maintenance firm ordered to improve

The station was closed for more than a month for safety reasons and special "tension nets" were fitted to protect the public. The station more than a month later in March.

The glazing will now be replaced and the steel work will be refurbished during a major programme of restoration work.

Tension nets were installed before the station reopened in March (Nexus)

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, obtained planning permission to carry out major works on the listed station building last year. They have appointed Buckingham Group to carry out the carry out the work.

Cathy Massarella, Major Projects Director at Nexus, 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 glass in the canopy will be replaced with more robust modern alternatives, while there will be strengthening and repainting of the steelwork.

The glazing directly above the Metro tracks will be reinstated, providing a more sheltered environment for customers.

Cathy said: "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."

North Tyneside's Mayor, Norma Redfearn (Newcastle Chronicle)

Whitley Bay station gained its Listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened.

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn DBE added: "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."

Nexus will be holding public drop-in sessions on Tuesday, May 23, 11am-1pm and Thursday, May 25, 4pm-6pm, for people to find out more about the project.

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