Earl of Wessex marks Moor Street revival
12 May 2006
Birmingham’s historic Moor Street station has marked the next stage in its renovation with a prestigious award from Birmingham Civic Society, unveiled by HRH The Earl of Wessex.
The Renaissance Award recognises the successful restoration of the city’s old buildings. Much of Moor Street has been derelict since 2002 but this year platforms, buildings and facilities have been completed to resemble their heyday, during the Great Western steam era of the 1930s. The old station ticket office, concourse, platform canopies and footbridge have been painstakingly recreated, but with a modern touch through the addition of CCTV, new lighting, lifts, passenger information and retail developments.
Chiltern Railways, who manage the station, aim for Moor Street to complement London Marylebone, at the other end of the line, as well as boost local regeneration.
Managing director Cath Proctor said: “Moor Street is our Birmingham home, and a mini Marylebone. We want it to show that it builds on a successful railway and business, but with a community feel – that it becomes the heart and soul of the area.”
Added Rob Brighouse, projects director of Laing Rail who did the restoration work: “We had a responsibility to mix old with new without losing the traditional ambience of the station. I think that has been achieved and even surpassed. It was also a challenge to dovetail what we were doing with keeping the station operational.”
It is hoped that track serving platforms three to five will be re-joined to the network by the time Moor Street celebrates its 100th birthday, in 2009.