06.03.18
TfL drives forward with ‘hugely exciting’ Tube station development
TfL has today confirmed that it will be going forward with a transformative programme of upgrade works on the South Kensington Tube station.
The organisation has selected a private developer for the project, which will see the area around the station developed with new housing, as well as the building itself improved.
It is part of efforts by TfL to make public transport in the capital more accessible and will include the development of step-free access to services, a key part of mayor Sadiq Khan’s Transport Strategy.
South Kensington is one of the busiest stations on the Tube network, with 34 million passengers a year travelling through to the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, and on to London’s museum district.
As part of the work, the station’s Grade II listed shopping arcade will be upgraded – with a second entrance developed via the pedestrian subway – in an effort to improve the facilities available to current and new residents.
Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL said it was “hugely exciting” to be begin work on the project, which would “generate vital revenue” to reinvest in other transport.
He continued: “Together, we can create a development that reflects [the site’s] historic legacy and unique setting as a gateway to some of the most important and treasured cultural institutions in the world.”
TfL have confirmed that any new housing would be “sensitively developed” so as to keep the design of new buildings similar to the historic area around.
Mark Wild, managing director of London Underground, added: “South Kensington is a vital station for our customers, providing a link to so many of London's world-renowned cultural institutions.
“Upgrading the station will make a massive difference for millions of customers every year. Improving the accessibility of our network is enormously important to both the mayor and to us, and we are determined to continue to make improvements across London.”
Customers using South Kensington are also expected to benefit from the ongoing transformation of the District and Circle lines, with a new, modern signalling system currently being installed on both lines.
The new system will increase train frequency, provide more capacity and make journeys quicker across 40% of the Tube network, benefitting millions of customers.
Top image: TfL
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