Network Rail submits application to redevelop and transform London Liverpool Street
Network Rail Property has submitted its application to redevelop and transform Britain’s busiest railway station London Liverpool Street with dramatically increased capacity and enhanced capacity for all, while respecting and celebrating the station’s historic character.
London Liverpool Street currently connects 118 million people a year within London, East Anglia and the east of England. Annual passenger numbers are forecast to grow to 158 million by 2041 the proposals are designed to accommodate over 200 million people in the decades ahead.
The plans will turn Liverpool Street station into a destination in its own right with new retail, leisure and workspace. The transformed station will improve connections to the wider City and public spaces; and provide a catalyst to deliver the City of London’s plans to restore productivity growth to 2% a year, boost the local economy by £107 billion and create over 250,000 jobs by 2035, generating an additional £32 billion in tax revenue for the Treasury.
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director for Network Rail Property said, “We’re proud to be leading the submission of a transformative scheme for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station — one that is a truly accessible and inclusive space, can support the forecasted annual passenger rise to over 200 million and deliver vital improvements to the everyday experience of passengers while respecting and celebrating the station’s historic character.
“Investing in transport infrastructure is essential to unlocking future economic growth for London and beyond. This investment will ensure Liverpool Street remains a landmark gateway to the City of London for generations to come.
“Following extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, our plans put passengers first whilst respecting and retaining the station’s Victorian features, including the iconic trainshed and the Great Eastern Hotel.”
ACME, the scheme architect, is working with Network Rail Property to bring forward the new plans. Founding Director Friedrich Ludewig said, “Liverpool Street is one of London's great Victorian stations and our proposals will make the station accessible, permeable and celebrate its function as the gateway into the City of London. We have embraced the challenge to design new entrances reflecting its position as the UK's busiest train station, and roof structures that speak to the original 1875 structures and the 1990s extension.
We are retaining the essential qualities of the existing station, celebrating elements that were previously hidden, creating sustainable new workplaces and providing spaces to expand into for generations to come. Liverpool Street station will become the world-class transport hub that the City of London and all Londoners deserve.”
The cost of the station’s transformation will be covered by private sector partnerships and the creation of new office space above the station.
In a widespread public consultation nearly 2,000 individual comments were received with three out of four supporting the redevelopment proposals.
Passengers’ top three priorities were:
Step-free access across the station
New lifts and escalators to increase accessibility to both mainline station and London underground
New toilet facilities