Newcastle Central Station's portico shuts to traffic

Pedestrian access will be improved and a new cycle track added

The arched entrance to Newcastle's landmark 19th Century railway station is to close permanently to traffic as part of a £8.6m makeover.

Newcastle Central Station's portico, which has accommodated taxis and cars for decades, is to be pedestrianised and the inside of the station upgraded.

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

Work is expected to be completed by summer 2014.

The station will operate as normal throughout.

Taxis will no longer be able to enter the portico and will operate from Orchard Street.

The Grade I-listed station 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.

The work is being funding with the help of regional growth fund NE1 and Newcastle City Council.

More than 7.5m passengers use the station every year.