I have just been to a meeting this morning with Heritage High Street Action Zone and work is pushing ahead with the railway station and former Kalinka Bar. Kalinka Bar will be renovated and have retail downstairs and office upstairs. Work starts very soon.
Railway Station - work in several phases but right now the contractors are rebuilding under the station and entrance way. The scaffolding is to support the exterior of the old Cornerhouse - this is being retained with window frames in wine bottle green - a link back to Winterschladen's wine cellars once based here. The old Cornerhouse has already been taken as offices - it will all be modern inside.
The tunnel from Bridge Street will continue under the station to a brand new entrance on Zetland Road, with sliding glass doors. The stairway inside the booking hall is being moved but the line of the old stairs will be marked by green tiles on the side walls.
The forecourt will no longer be a car park but pedestrians only.
The plans looked great. There are further phases being worked on to increase the capacity of the stadium both for London trains and Newcastle trains - they are talking about doubling the Newcastle frequency. Part of this is a brand new platform three at the rear of the station.
Great that things are finally happening at the station and all around it.