Rebuilt Newport station opens to passengers

The station has opened ahead of the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor Resort from 1-3 October

The rebuilt £22m railway station in Newport has opened for the first time to passengers.

The futuristic station, which features a roof built with the same material as the Eden Project in Cornwall, is almost twice the size of the old building.

Its concourses opened to passengers on Monday morning, and the new footbridge will be in use later this month.

Network Rail said the station opened on schedule ahead of the Ryder Cup at nearby Celtic Manor from 1-3 October.

Some 2,000 more passengers each day are expected during the international golf event at Celtic Manor Resort.

Mike Gallop, of Network Rail, said: "Investment in rail is a necessity and not a luxury - Wales relies on rail.

"The country has an aspiration to become a leading destination for top-class events, such as the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and a robust transport infrastructure is vital to meet that.

"Newport station will play a significant role as a transport hub during the international golfing event, but its benefits go far and beyond."

The opening of the station marks the completion of the first stage.

The second stage will focus on finishing touches to the footbridge, car parking and staff offices.