grimshaw architects: reading station phase 2 open

‘reading station’ by grimshaw architects, reading, englandimage © rick roxburghall images courtesy of grimshaw architects

in an ongoing project aimed to alleviate one of the regions greatest transportation bottlenecks, international firm grimshaw architects has openedthe ‘reading station redevelopment’ on april 2nd, with five new platform faces and a transfer bridge being unveiled to the public today. hundreds of transfers per day will be streamlined with newly created entrances, electric vertical circulation components, and restored subway lines, assuages stresson the greater transport network. a 30 meter long passenger bridge links the north and south ends of the station over the tracks, built off-site and carefully constructed so as to not disturb existing traffic. the other new feature recently opened are the sweeping modular steel canopies that hover over the platforms. reflective blue soffits read as a continuous sinuous band down the length of the station, protecting waiting passengers from rain anddirect sunlight.

‘the second phase of the new station is a triumph for all concerned and the feedback from passengers has been incredible. the new structure points the way to what the finished product will look like when we complete the station in 2014, so we are pushing forward towards that now – bringing the old platforms up to the same standard as those unveiled at easter.’  -bill henry, network rail’s program director

the project is set for completion by february of 2014, with track and viaduct upgrades re-opened by the summer of 2015.

video © grimshaw architects

‘reading is one of the busiest stations outside of london, with passenger numbers predicted to double to by 2030. the new station will provide commuters with a more efficient and attractive station, featuring some of the grandest platform and entrance spaces of any canopied station in the UK. we are proud to continue our work with network rail to improve and enhance britain’s railway stations and transport infrastructure.’

– declan mccafferty, grimshaw partner

electric escalators and stairs service the platforms under the sweeping roof elementimage © rick roxburgh

stair entranceimage © rick roxburgh

station interior with newly opened roof canopiesimage © rick roxburgh