Network Rail has unveiled new plans for a transformation of London Liverpool Street station.
The planning application submitted by Network Rail has been validated by the City of London, and includes various future-proofing measures to provide additional space, as well as further connect the station to the local rail network across the London Underground, Elizabeth line, buses and both cycling & pedestrian routes.
Connecting roughly 118 million passengers per year to London, East Anglia and the east of England, current passenger forecasts at the station have predicted growth of 25% to 158 million by 2041, with capacity planned to increase to 200 million to ensure ample accommodation for the decades ahead.
The plans mark Network Rails first foray into outlining a full set of requirements for the delivery of a new and integrated station, with the body having received support from Transport for London (TfL).
The new approach is intended to serve as a model for the management of future infrastructure projects across the capital.
Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive, Network Rail said:The station proposed in this application is absolutely what London needs. An accessible, inclusive, world-class multi-modal transport gateway to the heart of London - designed to serve the City, all Londoners, and everyone who travels through it.
Newly released pictures of the proposed transformation include insight into new pedestrian routes to Exchange Square, Bishopgate’s Entrance, the lower concourse with access to trains, and the station balcony.
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, TfL added:Network Rail’s vision for the station gives us an opportunity to work together to provide the excellent levels of customer satisfaction we want everyone to experience as they travel across our networks.
We welcome that these plans include a comprehensive step-free solution for those using the Underground. At the heart of these plans is an unshakeable commitment to safety, top-tier performance, and delivering a transport system for London that is not only efficient, but environmentally sustainable.
The scheme is hoped to drive long-term economic growth across the city, with new figures released by Network Rail suggesting the station’s transformation could boost the local economy by up to 4.6 billion GBP through increased visitor numbers.
