Network Rail is investing 30 million GBP (35.13m EUR | 36.07m USD) into reducing platform congestion and improving accessibility at London Victoria station – the UK’s second-busiest station.
Work will begin this September to open up and expand the concourse that serves platforms 15–19, as well as create a more spacious access route between platform 14 and the escalators to Victoria Place shopping centre.
The number of ticket gates will also be increased from 86 to 111. This will include eight wide gates, improving accessibility for travellers with reduced mobility, large luggage or pushchairs.
In order to complete this project, some of station’s retail units will need to be relocated and Gatwick Express’s dedicated ticket windows will be moved to a more visible position on the main concourse.
“We’re really excited to see this work get underway. Putting people first is at the heart of everything we do and that starts from the moment they walk through the door.
“Victoria is one of London’s busiest stations and a gateway to Gatwick Airport and the south coast so investing in creating an enlarged Sussex concourse and increasing the number of ticket gates available will help everyone to feel more comfortable.”
To minimise passenger disruption, this work will take place at the same time as the London Victoria re-signalling project. This will ensure the biggest pieces of work take place when there are few or no passenger services going in and out of the station.
Work will start with the relocation of the Gatwick Express ticket office. This will be followed by the Kent gatelines (platforms 1–7) in November and the Sussex gatelines towards the end of the year.
The project is due to be completed by late 2023.
