Whitley Bay Metro station revamp enters a new phase as restored canopy revealed

A £5.3m project to restore the historic canopy at Whitley Bay Metro station has entered a new phase, with the works focusing on the atrium at the front of the building. The Grade II listed structure, which dates back to the Edwardian era, has been undergoing a major restoration.

Nexus, the public body which runs Tyne and Wear Metro, has now begun refurbishing the atrium and the two smaller canopies at the station. The atrium ceiling is being renewed with new glazing and lighting installed. The ironwork on the two canopies which run along the station’s frontage is also being restored to its former glory.

The wider restoration project, part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2025.

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A total of 1,296 new panes of glass have now been fitted in the main canopy – working out as 2,000 square metres of new glazing. This is to replace the previous glass with more robust, modern alternatives and provide an improved means of maintaining the canopy.

And some the scaffolding has started to come down, giving customers the chance to see the restored canopy for the first time. The glazing directly above the Metro tracks has been reinstated to provide a more sheltered environment for customers.

New lighting is being installed along with a new public address system and new CCTV cameras for improved security.

Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We’re now doing additional works on the front of Whitley Bay Metro station, restoring the atrium and the two canopies at the front of the building.

“The ironwork which included the station’s name was in particular need of work. These works are progressing and customers can already see that it’s a vast improvement on its previous condition.

“The Metro station and the businesses located there will continue to remain open throughout the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed next spring. Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. It has proudly served the Metro since the network opened. This project will ensure that the station is there for locals and visitors to enjoy for many decades to come.”

Kier, a leading provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments, is carrying out the work on behalf of Nexus.

Duncan Manning, Senior Project Manager at Kier Transportation, said: “Our work to restore this station back to its former glory has been making great progress. This next phase will soon uplift the atrium and station frontage in line with the rest of the work we’ve undertaken over the past year.

“It’s a restoration project we’ve been proud to be a part of, and we can see our work will truly leave a lasting legacy for the local community.”

There are three businesses based at Whitley Bay Metro station – an artisan café called Dil & the Bear, a craft ale bar called the Ticket Office, and a yoga studio called The Yoga Station. All three outlets remain open, and signage is in place to show customers that it’s business as usual.

Whitley Bay station gained its Listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro system was opened.