Plans for Newcastle Central Station go on public show

Upgrades to the interior of the station will cost £8.6m

People are to get their first glimpse of £20m plans to transform the area around Newcastle Central Station.

The work will see pavements widened and pedestrian access improved, as well as the addition of a two-way cycle track.

The front portico will be pedestrianised and the inside of the station upgraded.

A drop-in session where plans will be on display is being held at the Thistle Hotel, opposite the station, on Tuesday afternoon.

Work is set to begin in May and is expected to be completed by summer 2014, with the station operating as normal throughout.

'Better first impression'

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

The station is managed by East Coast and the building is owned by Network Rail, both of whom are funding the project with the help of regional growth fund NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

Pedestrian access will be improved and a new cycle track added

The Department for Transport is funding the £8.6m of work to the station interior.

East Coast stations and property director Tim Hedley-Jones said: "The improvements will accentuate the important heritage of the Grade I-listed building, and act as a stunning new gateway to the city for visitors."

Network Rail route managing director Phil Verster said the improvements would "give a better first impression to visitors to the city".