Sheffield's railway station has beaten off stiff competition from some of the country's major rail companies to be crowned 'Project of the Year' in the prestigious National Rail Awards.
The Station Gateway Project is a key element in the city centre regeneration Masterplan. It has already transformed the station and the completion of Sheaf Square and the surrounding area will create a world-class gateway to the city by the end of the year.
The work to modernise and upgrade the station has included the careful restoration of the Victorian structure including the ornate platform canopies and the concourse area.
The investment in the station of around £30 million is part of an overall package worth up to £60 million to regenerate the area.
David Brown, Passenger Services Director at the Transport Executive, believes teamwork and a shared appreciation of the challenges was the key to winning the award.
He said: "Since the project began we have had to overcome many hurdles to complete the station work on time and on budget. Closing eight platforms, one-by-one at one of the country's busiest stations was no mean feat. But, this success was only achieved because all of the partners were determined to drive the project forward to give Sheffield the station it deserves."
He added: "For the project to get such recognition on the national stage is great news. We were up against some pretty tough opposition, all major players in the rail industry, and are absolutely delighted to win such a coveted award."
The judges' comments were glowing in their praise of the project: "The judges were unanimous in making the award to the Transport Executive and Sheffield City Council for the renovation of Sheffield Midland Station. The project has been a true partnership of public authorities and railway organisations and the complex interfaces and partner requirements have been excellently managed in very demanding circumstances of timescales and budgets. The vision of linking the station with the centre of the city has been a brilliant success."
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 the city. It will soon be complemented by the new Sheaf Square development outside to lead rail users into the city centre."
David Curtis, the Council's Director of Development added: "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 work began with the building of a new footbridge linking the Supertram with the station. Since then, a new multi-story car park, new lighting, waiting rooms and rebuilt platforms have all made a really big difference to the station environment.
The biggest change for passengers came when the new station concourse was completed in September 2005. A new ticket office, information screens and retail units have transformed the travelling experience for passengers.
The next phase of the station project will see Sheaf Square completed in front of the Station in a £21.5 million scheme to link the Station with Howard Street and the city centre.