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WSP given nod to design Coventry station

Consultant WSP, the firm behind the development masterplan for Coventry's mainline railway station, has been reappointed to push on with producing the concept scheme design for the circa £30m project. The 1960s Grade II listed station has reportedly experienced the highest growth in passenger numbers of any station outside London over the past five years, making it one of the busiest on the West Coast Mainline.

Coventry City Council is lead promoter of the project initiated to increase capacity at the station, which is expected to experience further increase in demand of 100% by 2043. Other key stakeholders include Network Rail, Transport for the West Midlands, the train operaing companies London Midland, Virgin Trains and Crosscountry and the Friargate development consortium. The station connects with the new Friargate commercial development being built immediately to the north.

WSP's Birmingham based team of engineers and environmental consultants is now taking the vision for the masterplan a step further by developing the best design option for building capacity and improving passenger experience, while also advising the client on the listed building and planning consent process.

The firm's associate director for stations, Jaimal Mistry, said: “This team has an inherent knowledge and understanding of the details and nuances of the site and associated designs, and have developed a close working relationship with the client team, the programme managers, and key stakeholders. Our understanding of the stakeholder environment and design to date means we can hit the ground running. This will allow for a smooth seamless transition from feasibility into scheme design.”