Works on the first of 2 construction phases has been completed and the building has been handed over to West Midlands Railway (WMR).
The full benefits of the new station will not be felt for some time with people currently being urged to follow the Government’s coronavirus guidance and not travel by train unless absolutely essential.
The opening of the first phase is a major milestone in the city’s £150 million Interchange development that will better connect train, tram and bus.
Station signage has been installed and a clear pedestrian access route to the new station entrance will be marked out around the phase 2 works, which will begin immediately. Contractors Galliford Try will strictly follow Government guidance on health and safety linked to the coronavirus pandemic in carrying out the works.
Phase one includes six ticket vending machines, new British Transport Police, toilet, accessibility and baby changing facilities, three retail units ready to be fitted out, and train crew accommodation.
Due to coronavirus social distancing measures a one-way system has been marked out at the station for people to follow and customers are being encouraged to buy their tickets online in advance if possible.
The station development has been cleverly designed in 2 phases to ensure the works do not impact on train services from City of Wolverhampton.
City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “A lot of hard work has been put in by all the partners on the Interchange scheme and I am looking forward to seeing our new railway station up and running from Monday 25 May.
“Of course, at this time it is vital that people follow the Government’s coronavirus guidance and do not use the train or pubic transport in general unless absolutely necessary.
“The new station building will make a huge difference to the passenger experience and, with the partners now cracking on with phase 2 of the development, it will ultimately provide a gateway to our city that we can all enjoy using - and be proud of.
“There is more than £4.4 billion of investment on site or in the pipeline across the city, and the railway station development is a big part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre.”
Phase 2 of the programme will see the demolition of the remainder of the current station building and completion of the new build to house three more retail units, as well as a customer waiting room and help point.
The new station building to serve the city will be fully open in early 2021.
Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership consists of City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC), Ion, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, Midland Metro Alliance, Canal & River Trust, and Black Country LEP.
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The new Wolverhampton Railway Station is a crucial part of public transport plans for the West Midlands, and I am pleased the WMCA could help play its part in making it happen alongside City of Wolverhampton Council and other partners.
