The project centred on modernising LNER’s footprint across the station by creating a new Ticket Sales Unit (TSU) on the main concourse, relocating and improving the Station Management Centre (SMC), and developing a new Health and Wellbeing Centre (HWC) for staff.
Beyond these core elements, the scheme also brought long-dormant areas back into use, including the first-floor offices above Platform 12 and the boardroom above the First-Class Lounge. Each phase required sensitivity to heritage constraints, and seamless coordination within a busy station.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Working within a Grade I listed, fully operational station presented a unique set of challenges. Thousands of passengers move through the concourse daily, requiring us to plan works around peak hours, noise limitations, and strict safety requirements.
On Platform 12, where the creation of a new staff access door affected the men’s toilets, downtime had to be kept to a minimum. Other constraints included heritage requirements, restricted delivery windows, and the presence of multiple contractors working simultaneously.
Unexpected conditions also emerged, including the discovery of a concrete ceiling requiring a complete redesign of the ventilation strategy. Restricted routes meant bespoke joinery had to be installed in sections, and large items including a 100-inch screen had to be physically carried up staircases.
Despite these complexities and additional works instructed during delivery, the programme was maintained without extension.
Additional value-adding works included supporting staff decants, furniture relocation, and installing items not originally within the tender scope.
COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION
We worked closely with LNER, as well as incumbent contractors responsible for fire alarm, CCTV, data and access control systems. Daily coordination ensured we could adapt to station operations, manage noise restrictions, and maintain safe segregation through robust hoardings.
Regular dialogue allowed us to solve problems collaboratively, such as agreeing ventilation redesigns, adjusting sequencing, and accommodating customer operations during busy periods.
PROGRAMME AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The works were phased to ensure that LNER’s customer service obligations could continue uninterrupted.
Quality was tightly managed throughout, particularly given the listed status of the building. All works complied with the existing Listed Building Consent, and heritage-sensitive materials and methods were used where required.
TYPICAL WORK PACKAGES
The Newcastle Central Station project demonstrates The Consortia Group’s ability to deliver complex, multi-phase construction in a high-traffic, heritage-sensitive environment. Through close collaboration with LNER, agile problem-solving, and a strong commitment to social value, we delivered modern, functional and welcoming spaces that strengthen both staff wellbeing and passenger experience.
At the same time, our work supported local supply chains, enriched local schools, and contributed to essential community services, ensuring that the value of the project extended well beyond the station itself.
SOCIAL VALUE
The project not only delivered improved operational and staff spaces for LNER but also enabled us to contribute meaningfully to the community.
We spent a full day at Our Lady and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School delivering hands-on STEM activities for Years 3–6 including a site visit to Newcastle Central Station
The pupils explored real-world engineering principles and gained insight into the varied careers within construction and transport. Feedback from teachers and pupils highlighted the impact.
During the project, our team dedicated volunteer time to Feeding Families UK and St Vincent’s Centre Newcastle. Activities ranged from preparing food parcels and organising supplies to serving meals at community lunch events. The volunteering sessions gave staff meaningful insight into the vital services these organisations provide.
“It was an absolute pleasure working with the Consortia team on the Newcastle project. Their professionalism, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering quality outcomes made the process smooth and enjoyable.”
The project centred on modernising LNER’s footprint across the station by creating a new Ticket Sales Unit (TSU) on the main concourse, relocating and improving the Station Management Centre (SMC), and developing a new Health and Wellbeing Centre (HWC) for staff.
Beyond these core elements, the scheme also brought long-dormant areas back into use, including the first-floor offices above Platform 12 and the boardroom above the First-Class Lounge. Each phase required sensitivity to heritage constraints, and seamless coordination within a busy station.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Working within a Grade I listed, fully operational station presented a unique set of challenges. Thousands of passengers move through the concourse daily, requiring us to plan works around peak hours, noise limitations, and strict safety requirements.
On Platform 12, where the creation of a new staff access door affected the men’s toilets, downtime had to be kept to a minimum. Other constraints included heritage requirements, restricted delivery windows, and the presence of multiple contractors working simultaneously.
Unexpected conditions also emerged, including the discovery of a concrete ceiling requiring a complete redesign of the ventilation strategy. Restricted routes meant bespoke joinery had to be installed in sections, and large items including a 100-inch screen had to be physically carried up staircases.
Despite these complexities and additional works instructed during delivery, the programme was maintained without extension.
Additional value-adding works included supporting staff decants, furniture relocation, and installing items not originally within the tender scope.
TYPICAL WORK PACKAGES
COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION
We worked closely with LNER, as well as incumbent contractors responsible for fire alarm, CCTV, data and access control systems. Daily coordination ensured we could adapt to station operations, manage noise restrictions, and maintain safe segregation through robust hoardings.
Regular dialogue allowed us to solve problems collaboratively, such as agreeing ventilation redesigns, adjusting sequencing, and accommodating customer operations during busy periods.
PROGRAMME AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The works were phased to ensure that LNER’s customer service obligations could continue uninterrupted.
Quality was tightly managed throughout, particularly given the listed status of the building. All works complied with the existing Listed Building Consent, and heritage-sensitive materials and methods were used where required.
The Newcastle Central Station project demonstrates The Consortia Group’s ability to deliver complex, multi-phase construction in a high-traffic, heritage-sensitive environment. Through close collaboration with LNER, agile problem-solving, and a strong commitment to social value, we delivered modern, functional and welcoming spaces that strengthen both staff wellbeing and passenger experience.
At the same time, our work supported local supply chains, enriched local schools, and contributed to essential community services, ensuring that the value of the project extended well beyond the station itself.
SOCIAL VALUE
The project not only delivered improved operational and staff spaces for LNER but also enabled us to contribute meaningfully to the community.
We spent a full day at Our Lady and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School delivering hands-on STEM activities for Years 3–6 including a site visit to Newcastle Central Station
The pupils explored real-world engineering principles and gained insight into the varied careers within construction and transport. Feedback from teachers and pupils highlighted the impact.
During the project, our team dedicated volunteer time to Feeding Families UK and St Vincent’s Centre Newcastle. Activities ranged from preparing food parcels and organising supplies to serving meals at community lunch events. The volunteering sessions gave staff meaningful insight into the vital services these organisations provide.
“It was an absolute pleasure working with the Consortia team on the Newcastle project. Their professionalism, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering quality outcomes made the process smooth and enjoyable.”