It hailed a new era for Birmingham when it was reopened in 2015 - with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II no less officially marking the occasion.
New Street Station is at the very centre of city centre life - it’s the hub most people pass through on a visit to town. A landmark meeting spot for friends catching up or saying goodbye amid an abundance of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
But that’s not good enough for this year’s annual European Railway Station Index which has ranked 50 of Europe’s largest train stations by measuring passenger volume and travel experience.
Our huge state-of-the-art New Street has been ranked at number 43. That’s way behind London Bridge which came in at number 16 and Liverpool Street which was ranked at 21. Other UK train stations included in the ranking was London Waterloo, placed at 29 and London Euston came in at 25.
Of course it’s still the only UK rail station outside London to be included in the European ranking of the biggest stations - which is a feat in itself.
But the report has been picked up by the London-centric national press who have chosen to highlight Birmingham as having UK’s ‘worst train station’.
I wonder if they've been to London Euston lately? Birmingham New Street is a gazillion times better - it's barely changed since the 1990s and is in much need of some TLC.
The report was based on a number of categories, including operating hours, types of tickets, waiting times, delayed trains, in-station information, escalators/lifts, wheelchair and restroom accessibility, shops/kiosks, restaurants, lounges, smartphone application, free WIFI, transport connections, international coverage, competition and ride sharing.
Here’s 13 very valid reasons why Birmingham New Street is not the UK’s worst train station:
1. Ozzy the Bull
New Street is the new home for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games icon who welcomes passengers once the arrive on the concourse - you can’t bet a better welcome anywhere
2. Brummies
New Street station is full of Brummies who are the friendliest and most helpful people in the UK. That includes the staff. I travel into town at least twice a week on the train and they are always on hand with a friendly ‘OK bab’ whenever I have a question. Here's Birmingham railway manager Stuart Hughes who had his hair cut off so that he could donate it to make wigs for children with cancer - it was the first time he'd had his hair cut since before the first coronavirus lockdown.
3. Top restaurants
New Street Station and Grand Central shopping centre above it are home to some of Birmingham’s best places to enjoy a bite to eat. From Mowgli to Thai Express you’ve got a whole host of top eateries serving quality food. Cafe Concerto and Tortilla are another of places also worth a mention - we can’t list them all though as there are so many.
4. Live entertainment
It doesn’t happen every single day, but New Street Station regularly hosts some of the best live entertainment in Birmingham. From CBSO concertos to dance show flashmobs. You’d be amazed at what you see on passing through.