The next stage in the transformation of Hartlepool station begins this week as Network Rail begins work to renew the station canopies.

£1.2m is being invested to renew the canopies and make good the redundant platform at the station. The work is being developed in conjunction with plans by Hartlepool Council and Northern Rail to transform the station into a transport interchange in time for The Tall Ships Races 2010 when Hartlepool is expected to attract up to 1m visitors.

Richard Lungmuss, route director for Network Rail, said: “Hartlepool was one of the first stations that I visited when I took over this role in January 2009 and it is a real pleasure to see the improvements taking place.  This is a great example of what we can achieve for passengers by working together.”

Hartlepool Council has already started work on a new car park and bus interchange which also involved moving a Network Rail maintenance depot.  Further work to improve facilities for passengers will be carried out by Northern Rail and Network Rail through the National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP) and includes new CCTV, customer information screens and public address system.  These works will start in January 2010.

Peter Jackson, Hartlepool Council’s cabinet member for transport and neighbourhoods, commented: “We are working closely with Network Rail and Northern Rail to bring about improvements to the railway station and surrounding area and welcome the new canopies. This scheme is part of a wider package of improvements to breathe new life into the railway station before the Tall Ships event next year.”

Matt Beatton, area director north at Northern Rail, said: “The planned works at Hartlepool are great news for passengers. While there will be some minor short term disruptions in the station, there will be significant improvements for people using the station in the long term.”