Europe’s Busiest Station Iconic Gare du Nord to Get Bigger
Europe’s busiest train station, Paris’ bustling Gare du Nord, may get a much needed facelift after a government tribunal approved part of a EUR 600 million plan to enlarge and modernise the 155 year old edifice. Its 35,000 odd square metres, which accommodates about 700,000 passengers every day, growing to an estimated 800,000 by 2024 and 900,000 by 2030, will more than tripled to 124,000 m2 under the project proposed by national railway operator SNCF and property developer Ceetrus. The aim is to finish the new and improved Gare du Nord in time for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The arrivals and departures hall will get an extra 30,000 m2, providing passengers with space to easily move around, get their train and have sufficient space in waiting areas. For commerce, an additional 60,000 m2 will be built, hosting among other things a concert hall and other cultural installations, a gym, shops and offices.
The upgraded station will also feature green spaces, a running track, a bicycle parking garage, and rooftop restaurants with a view of Paris’ Sacre Coeur basilica, according to the plan.
Source : Strategic Research Institute