Network Rail’s station project is one of three shortlisted in the Legacy Award for Sustainability category in a joint submission with Q Sustain and, in a joint submission with Atkins and Mace, is one of eight projects shortlisted for the Project of the Year award.

The redeveloped Birmingham New Street station opened its doors to passengers on 20 September 2015 after a five-year, £750m transformation.

Boasting an iconic new atrium over a huge passenger concourse – five times the size of the concourse at London Euston – the station was rebuilt while trains continued to run as normal for the 170,000 passengers a day who use it.

With brighter, de-cluttered platforms, improved entrances, a range of new facilities and an abundance of natural light over the new concourse, Birmingham New Street, one of Britain’s busiest inter-change stations, is also a retail destination in its own right.

Carol Stitchman, head of design for Birmingham New Street station project, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team involved diovan hct. The station has been transformed over the past five years with an iconic architectural design. This was supported by the engineering excellence of the delivery partner which embraced the need for innovation in order to make this highly complex project a success.”

Stephen Ashton, Atkins’ engineering director for the project, said: “Throughout more than seven years working on the project, my family and friends kept asking “what will it look like?” Well they have all been amazed by the transformed station. I am very proud to have been part of the team which overcame the many challenges particularly with regard to the structural complexities to successfully deliver this iconic building that has made a massive difference to the people of the West Midlands and beyond.”

Mace’s project director for Birmingham New Street, Martyn Woodhouse, said: “The improvement of the station is just phenomenal. We have built five new entrances and exits providing better means of moving in and out of the station as well as improved access for the disabled.

“We have also created three new waiting areas where you can access clear train information, great retail outlets and extra seating. This increases the safety of passengers by providing areas people can go if platforms become too crowded.”

Although the station is a remodeling of the old 1960s structure, which created considerable challenges in making the building sustainable, the station’s green credentials are something to behold.

Az Quaiyoom, director at Q Sustain, said: “This has been a really challenging and complex project and in terms of sustainability we are trying to transform a 1960s structure into an energy efficient, low carbon transport hub. 98% of the demolition waste from the site was recycled for use on this and other projects and we have a host of green initiatives incorporated in the new development.”

The completed station incorporates:

• A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant waste heat transferred into a district heating scheme and the adjacent John Lewis. This is the first time a CHP plant has been used in a Network Rail station
• Low energy and high efficiency LED lighting
• 60% of the rainwater harvested from the stainless steel façade to flush all the stations toilets
• Efficient water spray taps for water conservation
• Energy efficient lifts and escalators
• Sub-metering for all water, heating and cooling to monitor energy consumption
• Natural daylight for the concourse and natural ventilation where possible
• Responsibly sourced materials
• All timber legally and responsibly sourced (PEFC and FSC only)
• Use of alternative materials such as carpet tiles with the yarn made from recycled fishing nets

Winners of the awards will be announced on 13 May at the ICC, Birmingham