Design

This is a new infrastructure-led project, submitted by Network Rail Property, that has major station improvements at its heart.

The project differs from previous proposals in a significant number of ways:

The new scheme involves a larger new concourse at ground floor level with links from Broadgate to Bishopsgate, and from Liverpool Street to Exchange Square
The Transport for London ticket hall will be enlarged with wider gatelines and ticket offices. The plans include improved step free access to all Network Rail and Transport for London platforms
The new landmark office building above the concourse is set back from the Great Eastern Hotel, and its green roof is carefully stepped to respect protected views to St. Paul’s
The new building will still be constructed over the station concourse and is sufficiently set back from the former Great Eastern Hotel to ensure the existing architecture is celebrated. There will be no works on the hotel apart from minor works to adjust how the train shed roof meets the hotel

The overall look and feel have been completely re-imagined, with a design that is more of a signature statement and in keeping with London’s mix of the old and new
The new scheme is lower than the previous design – highest point is 97m vs 108m
The 19th century roof which remains above the platforms is being preserved in full
More of the interior heritage features are being preserved or enhanced.
The historic 1875 roof remains untouched. Changes to the 1980s roof have been minimised, only the part above the concourse will be replaced by a new roof that will reflect the character and spatial qualities, colours and materials of its predecessor
The WW1 Memorials, Kindertransport statues, and other heritage items are being located in appropriately prominent places within the station area

Inclusive design

A key goal of the project is to improve accessibility to the station and achieve an inclusive design. The plans include the following:

Steps from the surrounding streets have been removed, allowing easy step-free direct access into the station
More lifts and escalators connecting the ground and platform levels
Lifts now go to all ticket halls and platforms for both Network Rail and the London Underground
New toilets including family facilities on all levels of the station

Signs around the station have been improved to make it easier to find your way
The space within the station is significantly bigger, allowing more people to move through
Ticketing services have been upgraded
The waiting rooms and lounges at ground and platform levels have been improved

Click below to hear more about the plans from Friedrich Ludewig, Director at ACME.