Well, having passed by this evening, I can confirm this is exactly how it is. Honestly the criticisms towards the open-air steps leading up the station just doesn't hold water. It's a prime place to have a smoke before getting the train and also allows people to meet or simply get some fresh air before boarding.A key design feature for the new steps was that it would be an open space for people to hang out. And that's what they are doing...which sounds like a win to me.