Image ©Grimshaw
The tracks run smack dab through the middle of Newport and as a result, each side might as well be its own city. Newport’s previous station was inadequate for modern rail travelers with a station only on one side of the tracks forcing passengers to walk a long distance to alight a train going in the opposite direction. The goal of the new station was foremost to improve rail service, but secondly, to serve as a gateway to the city, which is the first Welsh city after leaving England and right before Cardiff.
Grimshaw’s solution was to build a station that spanned both sides of the tracks, creating a concourse on either side and a bridge to connect passengers to the middle platform. But rather than create bridges separate from the station, the walkways and concourses are one continuous spiraling building. Walkways, ramps, bridges and the ticket offices all seamlessly connect to provide an easily navigable and intuitive pathway for passengers.
It’s awful. for one thing, it’s right at the very end of the platform so you have a long walk if a train stops up the other side. It’s also a horrendously ugly looking building, cold, and unwelcoming. I haven’t been back to Newport since they built it.