Newcastle's Haymarket: A Metro Hub's Evolution

The Heart of Newcastle's Transport Network: Haymarket Station

Haymarket, a prominent Tyne and Wear Metro station, stands as a vital gateway to the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Serving the bustling Haymarket area, this station is more than just a stop; it's a testament to the evolving landscape of public transportation in the North East of England. Since its inception as a terminus station on 11 August 1980, Haymarket has played a crucial role in connecting communities, with its initial phase linking the city centre to Tynemouth via Four Lane Ends. The network's expansion saw it open to through services to Heworth on 15 November 1981, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the region's travel infrastructure.

A Journey Through Time: The History of Haymarket

The history of Haymarket is intrinsically linked to the development of the Tyne and Wear Metro. Initially a terminus, trains would reverse using a crossover between Haymarket and Monument. This changed with the opening of the third phase of the network, allowing for seamless through services. Strategically located at the northern end of Northumberland Street, Haymarket offers unparalleled convenience for travellers. It's a stone's throw away from esteemed institutions like Newcastle University and Northumbria University, the impressive Newcastle Civic Centre, and the culturally rich Great North Museum: Hancock. Its proximity to major bus stations, including the Haymarket bus station (approximately 100m away) and Eldon Square Bus Station (around 250m away), further enhances its significance as a multimodal transport hub.

Architectural Marvels and Deep Roots

Haymarket holds the distinction of being the deepest station on the Tyne and Wear Metro network. Before its extensive refurbishment, a grand staircase of 105 steps led passengers to the platforms, a feature since replaced by a third escalator, improving accessibility. More intriguingly, the station conceals underground rooms, inaccessible to the public, which house valuable archives and a wealth of historical documents, hinting at the layers of history beneath the modern facade.

The Haymarket Hub Transformation: A £20 Million Overhaul

In the late 2000s, Haymarket underwent a significant transformation with final plans for a complete reconstruction costing an impressive £20 million being released in August 2006. This ambitious project built upon earlier plans for a £9 million facelift announced in 2004. Tolent Construction was appointed as the main contractor, with the development vehicle, 42nd Street Haymarket Hub, overseeing the project. The architectural vision was brought to life by Reid Jubb Brown, with Arup serving as consulting engineers. The passenger areas were reimagined through a collaboration between Newcastle-based creative communications agency, Gardiner Richardson, and Lothar Goetz, a lecturer at the University of Sunderland. Gardiner Richardson focused on revitalising the Tyne and Wear Metro's corporate branding, including its colour palette and signage. Lothar Goetz contributed a striking art installation titled 'Canon', which adorns the concourse, escalator shaft, and platform areas with a series of vibrantly coloured vitreous enamel panels. The passenger areas alone saw a £5 million investment, with the refurbishment works concluding in 2009. This revitalised station now serves as a blueprint for future modernisation projects within the Metro's 'All Change' programme, with Central Station being refurbished in a similar style in 2017.

A Royal Opening and an Architectural Accolade

The culmination of this extensive redevelopment was marked by the official opening of the refurbished Haymarket by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, on 29 March 2010. Her Royal Highness travelled from Jesmond via the Tyne and Wear Metro to inaugurate the newly transformed station. The Haymarket Hub project garnered significant attention, even being shortlisted for the prestigious 2010 Carbuncle Cup. This annual architecture prize, awarded by Building Design, is known for recognising the "ugliest building in the United Kingdom completed in the last 12 months", a testament to the bold and distinctive design choices made during the station's renovation.

Facilities and Accessibility: Meeting Modern Needs

Haymarket is committed to providing excellent facilities and ensuring accessibility for all passengers. Step-free access is a standard across the Tyne and Wear Metro network, and Haymarket is no exception, with a modern lift providing seamless access to the platforms. As part of the station's refurbishment, lifts and escalators were upgraded, and an additional third escalator was installed to further improve passenger flow and ease of movement. The station is well-equipped with modern amenities, including ticket machines that accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards (with contactless payment options), notes, and coins. Comfortable seating, clear next train information displays, timetable posters, and emergency help points on both platforms ensure a smooth and informed journey for all travellers. The station also features automatic ticket barriers, installed across 13 network stations in the early 2010s, and smartcard validators, which are present at every station.

Beyond the core transport facilities, Haymarket offers a range of services, including shops, other services, and offices. A Nexus TravelShop is also located within the station, providing a convenient point for travel information and ticket purchases. For those travelling by car, there is no dedicated car parking available at the station itself. However, a taxi rank is conveniently located adjacent to the nearby Haymarket bus station, offering another transport option. Cyclists are also catered for, with provision for cycle parking including 46 cycle spaces and 20 cycle racks.

Service Information: Keeping You Moving

As of April 2021, Haymarket station is a hive of activity, served by up to ten trains per hour on weekdays and Saturdays. During evenings and on Sundays, the service frequency is up to eight trains per hour. During peak times, additional services operate between Pelaw and Benton, Monkseaton, Regent Centre, or South Gosforth, ensuring efficient connectivity throughout the day. The rolling stock predominantly used on the network is the Class 599 Metrocar, known for its reliability and modern design.

Comparative Look at Station Usage

Haymarket's importance is clearly reflected in its passenger numbers. In the 2017-18 period, it served a remarkable 3,216,144 passengers, making it the second-most-used station on the Tyne and Wear Metro network. It trails only behind Monument station, which recorded an impressive 5,245,507 passengers during the same period. This data underscores Haymarket's critical role in the daily lives of many commuters and visitors in Newcastle.

Frequently Asked Questions about Haymarket Station

Q1: Where exactly is Haymarket station located in Newcastle?
A1: Haymarket station is located at the northern end of Northumberland Street in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Q2: What attractions are near Haymarket station?
A2: It is a short walk from Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Newcastle Civic Centre, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Q3: Is Haymarket station accessible for people with mobility issues?
A3: Yes, Haymarket station offers step-free access via a lift to the platforms, and has improved escalator access.

Q4: When was Haymarket station refurbished?
A4: The station underwent a significant refurbishment completed in 2009, with an official opening by Princess Anne in March 2010.

Q5: Does Haymarket station have parking?
A5: No, there is no dedicated car parking available at Haymarket station. However, there is a taxi rank nearby.

Q6: What are the operating hours or service frequency at Haymarket?
A6: As of April 2021, the station is served by up to ten trains per hour on weekdays and Saturdays, and up to eight trains per hour during evenings and on Sundays.

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