Upgrade for historic Newcastle Central Station

The £8.6m will be spent on modernising the station

Plans have been revealed for a £8.6m upgrade for Newcastle Central Station.

During the year-long project, a glazed pedestrianised area will be created in the front portico, with a new taxi rank to the east of it.

Its internal layout will be simplified and will include more shops, a new information centre and toilets.

The Grade I-Listed building was designed by John Dobson, and Queen Victoria attended its official opening in 1850.

Work is due to begin in May, and the station will operate as normal throughout.

'Better impression'

Newcastle Central Station is managed by East Coast, and the building is owned by Network Rail.

Phil Verster, from Network Rail, said: "Newcastle station is an incredibly busy and important transport hub for the North East.

"These improvements will help passengers to get the best from the listed building.

"Significantly, the finished station will also give a better first impression to visitors to the city."