A £5m restoration of Whitley Bay Metro Station’s historic canopy has been taken up again by new contractors after the previous firm went into administration.
Restoration work has now resumed after Whitley Bay Metro station suffered devastating damage to its canopy after storm Otto hit the North East on February 17.
The repairs were set to be done by The Buckingham Group, however, financial concerns earlier this year led to the group filing for administration.
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The project was left in doubt until contractor, Kier Group, took over renovations on behalf of the Metro’s operator, Nexus.
It plans to replace the existing canopy with a more robust modern alternative whilst strengthening and repainting the steelwork.
Sarah McManus, head of renewals at Nexus said: “We’re delighted to say that our exciting restoration project at Whitley Bay Metro station is back underway.
“We’ve appointed a new construction contractor, Kier, who are a leading firm in the industry, and they have taken over all of the detailed work on the station’s historic canopy.
“Whitley Bay is a station with a great deal of charm. The station has proudly served Metro since the network opened.
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“This project will ensure that the station is there for locals and visitors to enjoy for many decades to come.”
The station aims to remain open during the repairs to allow customers to make full use of the station.
Once glazing has been reinstalled above the Metro, visitors should be able to experience the full station's Edwardian history sheltered from the elements.
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The station is a grade II listed structure dating back to the Edwardian era and suffered heavy damage as a result of storm Otto.
Storms winds of around 75mph battered the structure earlier this year leading to the damage of their historic canopy.
Pictures at the time showed shattered glass scattered across the station.
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