Grimshaw, in association with Atkins, has redesigned Newport Station as part of a citywide regeneration master plan by Newport Unlimited.

While the need for regeneration of the station was created from the shortfalls of the existing facility, the impetus for its construction was the fact that the city was set to play host to the most prestigious tournament in golf, the Ryder Cup, in October 2010.

Network Rail was the primary funder and client for the project with the Welsh Assembly Government also providing substantial financial support. 
The existing station was considered by Network Rail to no longer meet the expectations of today's rail traveller. It operated from a single concourse serving only one side of the tracks and was located in an impractical position to one end of the platforms. This arrangement required passengers to walk long distances when boarding or alighting trains with little provision for step free access across the tracks.

The geometry and wrapped application of materials blurs the traditional boundaries between wall roof, bridge and building. Passengers experience a series of uniquely shaped spaces internally which flow from the main concourse areas into the footbridge then onto the platforms. Externally the fifth elevation, or the way in which it appears from above, has been developed by omitting the roof in its traditional sense and instead considering the building as a 3D object. This approach responds to the topography of the surrounding area and respects the view from buildings which overlook the site.

Newport Station was opened to passengers in September 2010 in time for the city to play host to the Ryder Cup. The upgraded station catered for the influx of travellers to Newport for this event and is set to become an icon of the city's ongoing regeneration. 

Client: Network Rail

Architect: Grimshaw

Consultants: Atkins

Quantity Surveyor: Faithfull + Gould

Photography: Ken Price

www.grimshaw-architects.com

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