National Station Improvement Programme (Wales)

Project team

Architect
BDP

Client
Arriva Trains Wales

service

Consulting, Facilitation and Engagement

Completion

2016

The Project

Human Space engaged in design consultation work for a series of new and refurbished transit stations across Wales, including Chester Station, Swansea Station, Port Talbot Station, Aberystwyth Station, Pontypridd Station, and Neath Station. The team also conducted Equality Impact Assessments for the stations across Wales.

While the different projects have some common materials, individual identity was developed from themes and concepts to create a unique place for each location. Each scheme incorporates clarity of wayfinding; the intelligent use of light; easily secured spaces; future proofed approaches; site responsive design solutions; and all focus on the civic role of a rail gateway.

Equity Impact Assessments were a key part of these many public-facing projects. The team held workshops with local stakeholders and end user groups (e.g. transport user groups and equality groups) to help inform the designs from an early stage.

The team authored the template for these assessments on behalf of the train operator and the Welsh Government, and then took them through to the final report for each location. The work focused on providing universal access and considered the experiences of people of a range of abilities, ages, genders, races, religions and sexual orientations.

Project Images

an older woman aproaches the Travel Centre kiosk in a train station with visible skylight and aqua coloured wall panelling and a cafe in the background

Chester Station includes a refurbished concourse with new facilities, improved circulation and waiting areas, as well as new commercial opportunities including retail and catering units.

inside a train station with high arched ceilings with skylight and aqua wall cladding

The Swansea Station environment was significantly improved with refurbished canopies and modernized fittings that blend with the previously existing architecture.

entrance of the Swansea train station in Wales at dusk, showing a triangluar awning with bold signage projecting over the brighly lit entrance doors

Swansea Station was the first to be completed in the National Station Improvement Programme for Wales, which refurbished facilities for the transit authority's 6 million passengers.

rendering showing the spatial planning of a train station, from the parking lot, entrance, station, and platforms

The right balance of modern facilities and functionality underpins our approach to transport interchange planning.

laser cut tactile models of train stations

Equality Impact Assessments were undertaken to ensure exemplary accessibility in station improvements. Pictured here are laser-cut models the team produced for consultations with the UK's RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People).