Project Description
In late 2015, Merseytravel identified Newton-le-Willows railway station as a potential interchange station. This transformation would allow multiple routes to pass through the station, enabling passengers to transfer between different routes, often without the need to exit the station or pay additional fares. The vision was to create a seamless, accessible transportation hub that would serve the growing demand for connectivity in the region.
Construction work on the station began in November 2016, with the goal of transforming it into a fully accessible interchange station. The project was delivered by Network Rail in collaboration with Galliford Try as the main contractor. The new design included a modern station building on the southern side which is directly adjacent to the new interchange and car park, improving both accessibility and convenience for passengers. Both platforms are now connected by a newly constructed underpass, complete with new stairs and lifts, ensuring step free access for all users. The station also benefited from enhancements to its approach from both the north and south sides, offering improved physical and visual connections throughout.
Seed Architects Limited played a key role in this transformation, guiding the project from the initial Grip Stage 3 option selection through to its completion in 2018. We were initially contracted by Network Rail, before later being novated over to the delivery contractor to continue developing the design through Grip Stages 4 and 5. Both stages were developed as a Building Information Modelling (BIM) project.
The result of this work has been a resounding success. Newton-le-Willows now tops the charts as the busiest train station in St Helens, recording 799,000 entries and exits at the station in 2022-23. This number even tops another Seed project, St Helens Central which follows closely in second place. The station now serves as a critical interchange hub, significantly improving regional connectivity and enhancing the passenger experience. Seed Architects is proud to have contributed to this significant infrastructure upgrade.