THE NEW STATION

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 54, 12 September 1928, Page 9

THE NEW STATION

MANY NEW FEATURES FACILITIES FOR COMFORT PART BIG STATE BLOCK It will be interesting news to Wellington citizens that tentative plans for tho new railway station, prepared by Mr. W. Gray Young, a private Wellington architect, in conjunction with the Chief Engineer of the Eailway Department (Mr. F. C. Widdop), and tho Assistant Chief Engineer (Mr. W. B. Davidson), havo reached the stage when they will shortly be approved or amended. Tho plans reproduced in "The Post" yesterday show tho building which, if they are carried out, will grace what will be a fine block of Government buildings. Tho whole of the street alterations in tlio vicinity will give Wellington a wonderfully improved entrance and the new railway station will prove a fitting gate to it. With Quinton's Corner replaced by the City War Memorial, and a rounded entrance giving a shorter route to the west, with tho old wooden Government Buildings replaced by a worthy many-storied modern building, housing a number of departments and activities now scattered, and with tlie Government Printing Office citb-r removed to leave a beautified triangle . between Featherston street and Lambton quay up as far as Bunny street, or with its northern point rounded off, this part of the city backed by the completed Parliamentary Buildings, will be well worthy of it. All this, of course, will not bo done at once, but the best way of doing it harmoniously and to the best modern traffic advantage is being very thoroughly considered by all concerned. TEAIN AND TEAM. There are indications that as far as tho new station is concerned, its construction cannot now be long delayed, in order to take full advantage of the Tawa Plat deviation, the new railway yard, and the improved suburban railway service forecasted, and as a minor one, there is the preparation of Featherston street for the double tram tracks to it. Traffic arrangements in the immediate vicinity of the station have not yet been finalised definitely, as the problem of accommodation the whole of the city outward traffic which now flows out through Thorndon quay, and the added traffic that wiU be imposed upon the frontages of the new station is a difficult one. Tho Bunny street frontage, between Featherston street and Waterloo quay, will be altered so as to present a right angle with Featherston street, and it will be cut back to allow space for the turning and handling of motor traffic. When it is realised that the whole of this 350 ft will be occupied by the facade of the new station, if the design submitted is not materially altered, a handsome structure will replace the present unsightly yard and sheds. Details are not yet definite, but at present it is proposed that after entering a wide portico travellers will find themselves in a ticket lobby very much on the lines of that of the Cunard Building in New York, with an arched ceiling, and mural decorations depicting the fascinations and comfort of modern travel, off which lobby will be rooms for tho convenience of passengers. On tlie left of tho entrance _is' planned a smoking-room, a general wait-ing-room, a ladies' waiting-room with special rest-room and facilities for children, and a large dining-room. It is tho desire of the Minister of Railways (The Right Hon. J. G. Coates) that adequate refreshment and the general convenience of the travelling public shall be especially catered for in this building. It is the intention, in fact, that every facility provided by a modern hotel, except that of bedrooms, shall be installed in the new station. This will be particularly welcome to those who find themselves with only a short time between ferry and express at their disposal. The dining-room, served by a large and up-to-dato kitchen, will bo situated at the Featherston street-Bunny street corner, a spacious hall, 76ft by 31ft, with approaches from both streets. VARIOUS OFFICES. On the right of the main entrance from Bunny street the booking offices, a large parcel office, and the accommodation of the clerical staffs have been planned. It is possible that in a few days further plans will be submitted, providing for an additional story to those shown on the plan, but this will not necessarily affect the interior arrangements. From the vestibule the passenger will pass through a wide doorway to the concourse, from which the various platforms will be reached. From this concourse any platform may bo reached in a few steps, platforms being at right angles to the concourse. Suburban trains will leave from special platforms nearest Featherston street, and in the extension of the main building along Featherston street will be found a barber's shop, amongst other facilities, for suburban passengers.