December 29th 2024.
As we look towards the new year, plans for a major refurbishment of London Liverpool Street station are underway. This bustling railway station, which boasts connections to the Elizabeth line, London Underground, and Stansted Express services, is in need of some serious upgrades. Network Rail has identified issues such as overcrowding, limited accessibility for those with disabilities or young children, and a confusing layout for passengers, and has taken a step towards addressing these concerns.
Last year alone, London Liverpool Street saw a staggering 94,499,824 passengers pass through its gates. However, with only one public lift currently in operation, it's no wonder that congestion is a common issue. That's why Network Rail, in partnership with ACME architects, has submitted a planning application to the City of London to bring about some much-needed changes.
One of the main improvements will be the addition of a new, larger concourse, effectively doubling the space and easing congestion. But that's not all - there will also be an increase in lifts, from just one to a total of seven, providing step-free access to the Tube. Additionally, there will be ten new escalators, as opposed to the current four, and extra ticket barriers to reduce wait times. Other amenities, such as new toilets and family facilities, will also be included, as well as improved step-free access throughout the station.
But it's not just the inside of the station that will see changes. Plans are also in place to overhaul the Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, and Exchange Square entrances. This will include more waiting lounges, a cycle storage area with direct platform access, and even a new tower office block. And don't worry - the original Victorian architecture of the station will be preserved and enhanced, along with a sensitive refurbishment of the Andaz Hotel.
Speaking of the Andaz, the redevelopment proposal also includes a new five-star hotel operated by Hyatt, housed in the Grade II listed building next to the station. It's clear that this project is aiming to not only improve the functionality of the station, but also to enhance its overall appeal.
While the construction is expected to take several years, with a projected completion date of around 2026, London Liverpool Street is expected to remain open throughout the process. However, not everyone is on board with the plans. Heritage campaigners, such as the Victorian Society and Historic England, have expressed opposition to the previous scheme, which included a 21-storey skyscraper. But the new proposal has taken these concerns into consideration, with the height of the skyscraper being reduced by 10m.
A spokesperson for Network Rail has assured the public that they have taken a variety of opinions into account and are committed to creating a best-in-class, destination station that also respects the station's historical significance. When will all of this work begin, you may ask? Construction is set to start in 2025 at the earliest, with the station upgrade expected to be completed around 2026 and the new commercial building, complete with shops and offices, in 2030.
In the meantime, the station will be closed from Christmas Day until January due to unrelated engineering works. So if you're planning to travel during that time, make sure to plan ahead and check for any updates. And as always, for the latest news and updates on all things London, be sure to visit Metro's London news hub.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
