Work has started on restoring the atrium at the front of Whitley Bay station on the Tyne and Wear Metro.

Restoration of the atrium is the next phase in a £5.3m project to restore the historic canopy at the Grade II listed station that dates back to the Edwardian era, and gained listed status in 1986, six years after the Tyne and Wear Metro opened

New glazing and lighting installed is being installed on the atrium ceiling and ironwork on the two canopies that run along the station’s frontage will be restored to its former glory.

So far, 1,296 new panes of glass comprising 2,000 square metres of new glazing have been fitted in the main canopy.

That has replaced the previous glass with more robust and modern alternatives that will make it easier to maintain the canopy’s condition and appearance.

The current stage of work means that some scaffolding has been removed, which allows the restored canopy to be seen for the first time.

To provide customers with more shelter, the glazing directly above the Metro tracks has also been reinstated.

The work part of the Metro Asset Renewal Programme, which is scheduled to be completed next spring, includes new lighting, a new public address system, and new CCTV cameras to improve security.

The three retail outlets at the station – the Dil & the Bear artisan café, the Ticket Office craft ale bar, and The Yoga Station yoga studio have remained open during the work, with signs in place to show their customers that it’s business as usual.

“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.”

Paul Welford, Major Projects Director at Nexus