BDP wins more train station refurbishment work

The Manchester studio of architects BDP has been appointed by Arriva Trains Wales to masterplan a number of stations across the UK.

Last Monday BDP was also named as the appointed architects to undertake a redesign and transformation project for Manchester's Victoria Station on behalf of Network Rail.

The upgrading and redevelopment of the Arriva Wales estate is part of the Department for Transport's National Station Improvement Programme.

The NSIP programme, which was launched in 2007, is set to deliver £150m of improvements at approximately 200 stations in England and Wales over the next few years.

For each individual masterplan, BDP is tasked with designing and integrating new features and refurbishing existing buildings. Part of the contract includes work at Swansea station, which will include a new concourse area, booking offices and shops being created.

Peter Jenkins, transport architect director for BDP's Manchester studio, said: "For many travellers rail stations are the first thing they experience when arriving at a new destination and the impression they leave about the location is often indelible. For other rail users they are simply places to be enjoyed before boarding a train.

"In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and equipped with a range of modern facilities, stations also need to be functional. Being able to get information, buy tickets and catch the train is the primary purpose of the rail stations. Getting this balance right is what underpins BDP's approach to transport interchange planning and will inform our work for Arriva Wales at Swansea and other stations due for refurbishment."

Jenkins led BDP's £60m redevelopment of Manchester's Piccadilly Station in 2002.