When you spend £22m on a new ultra-modern roof – you really don’t expect it to leak. But that’s unfortunately that is what’s happening at Newport Railway Station.
Less than than three years after it opened following a £22m revamp, the new roof of the station is being repaired for leaks after passengers reported dodging puddles on walkways and platforms.
The new roof is comprised of 31 air-filled cushions, made from the polymer ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, which give a “bubble-wrap” effect.
The cushions are created using two layers of film measuring around two to three strands of hair in thickness.The panels for the Eden Project in Cornwall are also made of the material.
Network Rail said “interface issues” with the roof’s construction material were being addressed and contractors said two leaks were remaining.
Councillor Matthew Evans who was the leader of Newport council when the station revamp was unveiled has described the leaks as “embarrassing”.
He said: “You will have snagging problems with any new building but when you’ve still got problems three years later it doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence.
“I don’t have anything against the design – I called it thought-provoking at the time – but it needs to be practical.
“The roof has had problems for some considerable time. It is embarrassing.”
When it was unveiled, Network Rail called it a distinctive station “that is cost-effective to build and maintain, eco-friendly and fit for the 21st Century and beyond”.
A Network Rail spokesman said: “We still have verification works to complete before we are happy that the roof is leak free.”
If you have a leaking roof you’ll know what an inconvenience it can be for homes and businesses. If you do have a roof leak contact the Leeds roofers of DPR Roofing. We can conduct surveys and make repairs quickly and cost effectively – we can even install a completely new roof if required.