THE date when Newport’s refurbished £20 million railway station will open fully to the public was announced yesterday.

What has been described as an iconic gateway to people entering Wales and for the regeneration in the city will finally be opened to passengers on September 13.

Yesterday The Argus were given a tour of the northern concourse that will greet people as they enter the station from the Civic Centre side of the building.

It and its twin southern sister have been nicknamed “occulii” on account of the circular almost eye-like roof.

Construction is continuing and on time. The aluminium construction and inflatable roof, which is the same eco-material used in the Eden Project and will insulate the two halls and fill the concourses with natural light in, are both complete.

Workers are now fitting out the inside – ticket barriers are about to be installed while scaffolding surrounds the steps that lead towards the bridge as wall tiling is completed.

Meanwhile the bridge and southern concourse are currently having their floors laid. The latter building will be the larger of the occulii, will house the ticket hall and be the main point of entry for passengers.

All this fills a space 2,100 square meters big, nearly twice the size of the old building.

Arriva Trains Wales, which will manage the station, hopes to have the two concourses kitted out with retailers when the station opens on September 13.

Chris Crombin from architects Grimshaw said the challenge in designing the building was finding the best way to guide people from the entry doors to the platforms.

To do this architects used the concept of a spiral from the doors, through the ticket barriers, up the stairs and to the bridges. “The building is almost leading you through,” he said.

Senior project sponsor for Network Rail Gary Draisey [cor] said: “As the years go by it will provide a very impressive backdrop to Newport.”

Matthew Evans, leader of Newport Council, added: “I’m sure it will enhance Newport’s image and the first impression visitors have of the city, and hopefully create and act as a spring board for development opportunities here.”