Liverpool Street to Become “Destination” Station Under Plans

Network Rail Property has launched a consultation on revised plans to transform London Liverpool Street, Britain’s busiest railway station.

Network Rail Property says plans will deliver significant improvements to public infrastructure for “a best in class, destination station that protects the station’s heritage setting” while easing congestion, reducing queuing and making the station more accessible.

A previous scheme proposed by Sellar – the developer of The Shard – submitted in 2023, generated significant objection from Westminster Council and heritage organisations including Historic England. It proposed the partial demolition of the Victorian station and a new multi-storey tower cantilevered above a neighbouring Grade-II* former hotel.

Commenting on the new scheme, Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail Property, said “Investing in transport infrastructure is key to unlocking future economic growth.

“We’ve spent time talking and listening: our latest plans celebrate Victorian features including the original train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel.

“Network Rail Property is leading a new team with a new approach which will respect the station’s unique heritage – simple in design, embracing London’s mix of the old with the new.

“A new office building on top of the station concourse will generate the money to pay for these improvements.”

Architect ACME is now working with Network Rail Property to bring forward the new proposals. The new scheme is “based on a thorough understanding of the operational needs of the station and its historic significance.” The original 1864 station and its 1991 reconfiguration are remarkable for their cathedral-like concourse and train shed, and the new concourse roof “extends this language into the 21st century”.

Friedrich Ludewig, founding director of ACME commented, “We are delighted to be part of this monumental design challenge to create a world-class transport gateway in the City of London.

“Working with Network Rail Property, we are creating a transport hub that will work for the city and all Londoners. The 1990s saw a few stations such as Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross compromised by Over-Station Development.

At Liverpool Street, we will retain the sense of a tall and airy concourse, with a flexible workplace building above to fund the development of the station at street level.”

Network Rail will be consulting on the changes with passengers, local businesses, heritage groups and elected representatives and intend to submit a planning application within the next few months.

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