Sheffield Station has won another prestigious award - this time for its improvements and restoration works.
At the Railway Heritage Trust Awards judges awarded the station ‘Overall Winner in the Ian Allan Publishing category’ for the impressive ‘make-over’ it has received over the last few years.
Speaking at the award ceremony David Brown, Passenger Services Director at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) said: "The station has been modernised and restored to its former glory, using materials that are in keeping with its original heritage appearance. Today it is a world-class facility that caters for the 21 century passenger.
"The station project is a shining example of true partnership work and it is a facility that South Yorkshire can be proud of. Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in the scheme."
Over the past three years Sheffield station has undergone a major overhaul, which has been part of SYPTE's strategy to improve the public transport infrastructure in South Yorkshire. The project has not only improved the way it looks, but also the passenger facilities for the 15,000 people who use it every day.
Some of the restoration work which was carried out included:
- repairs to the roof, using materials in keeping with the original,
- restoration to the existing canopies and the cleaning and painting of steelwork,
- cleaning of the façade of the station,
- restoration work to the lighting at the front of the station.
The £16 million renovation work to the station forms part of a £50 million programme, which has transformed it into a modern transport facility and a world-class gateway to the city. At the front of the station there is a high quality public space, which has water features and a stainless steel sculpture called ‘The Cutting Edge’ which reflects Sheffield’s steel heritage.
Sheffield City Council Leader, Councillor Jan Wilson commented: "This is wonderful news for the city. We were determined to ensure that the Station provided a welcoming first impression for visitors to Sheffield and it is complemented by Sheaf Square outside leading rail users into the city centre. The award is tremendous recognition of all the hard work by Council staff and other partners to deliver an excellent addition as part of the city's regeneration."
The project was funded by the Department for Transport, English Partnerships, Objective One, Railway Heritage Trust, Single Regeneration Budget, Strategic Rail Authority and Yorkshire Forward and the work is managed by SYPTE, Network Rail, Midland Mainline and Sheffield City Council.
Sheffield Station, was formerly known as Sheffield New Midland Station and originally opened on 1 February 1870. In 1904 platform 1, the concourse and the façade were added to complete the landmark gateway Sheffield has been familiar with for the last 100 years.
If you would like more information, a tour of the Station or would like to interview someone from SYPTE please contact Julia Price, Senior Communications Officer on 0114 221 1413 or email juliap@sypte.co.uk