Whitley Bay Station has had a rocky past. The original station at Whitley was opened in 1860, but this was replaced four years later with a station situated to the north.
In 1882 a new “Whitley” station was opened, this was renamed Whitley Bay in 1899. Eventually, due to the passenger numbers, not only of those living in Whitley and travelling to Newcastle for work but also holiday makers and day trippers visiting the town, a new station was required. So, in 1910 a new building was opened. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner later said of the building that it “(lends) some distinction to an undistinguished neighbourhood”.
The new building is full of glass and steel and has seen its fair share of changes, numerous adjustments and a short closure between 1979 and 1980 to allow for alterations to join the Tyne and Wear Metro system. The station was granted Grade II listed status in 1986. The glass panels which make the station such a bright and friendly place have not been without their problems. Age hasn’t helped and as the glass ages, it breaks and falls onto the platforms or tracks below bringing a halt to the service.
Metro operator Nexus has spent £5.3m restoring Whitley Bay Station’s canopy by replacing almost 1,300 panes of glass with polycarbonate, but there is still more to do with the atrium ceiling needing new glazing and two smaller canopies needing restoration.
When it comes to supplying 1,300 panes of polycarbonate to recreate the historic look of Edwardian glass. providing a complete system, which can make installation quick and easy, offering solutions for weight reduction to avoid unnecessary stress and loading on the 110-year-old steel work and an in-depth knowledge of safety, CDM and building regulations, you need a manufacturer, not just a stockist. Twinfix are the only logical choice, known as the “Pioneers of polycarbonate” they have products and solutions to solve every problem. As a British manufacturer they understand the product, the need for longevity of the product and can help design bespoke solutions should the need arise. Their multi-link system offers ease of installation, light weight construction, rigid and robust assembly with the look and feel of glass but all the benefits of a modern material. Reduced and easy maintenance, plus superior toughness and sustainability make their aluminium and polycarbonate systems the intelligent choice for today and years to come.
The benefits of the new stations canopy are already being seen with large sections of the scaffolding being removed. The platforms and track are bathed in a warm natural light without the inherent risk associated with hundreds of glass panels above passengers’ heads. Other features which have been added include new lighting and CCTV cameras installed, throughout the station to improve security.
“We are pleased to have led this important refurbishment work and following consultation with Twinfix, we are confident that the specified glazing system is the best long term sustainable solution for the job.”
Nick Zissler, Structures Design Lead York MHB Consultants
“We were pleased to deliver this important project on behalf of our client, which saw the canopy restored at Whitley Bay Station. Twinfix oversaw the canopy design and installation and worked collaboratively with us and their supply chain to provide a sustainable, long-term solution.”
Duncan Manning, Senior Project Manager, Kier Transportation
“We were pleased to oversee the installation work at Whitley Bay station. This is a restoration project we’ve been proud to be a part of, and we can see our work will truly leave a legacy for the local community.”
Ian Danby, Contracts Manager, Orchard Roofing and Building
