Controversial Plans for the Redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station Have Been Approved

"Liverpool Street, which is served by National Rail, Overground, Elizabeth Line and Underground trains, is the busiest station in the UK; around 118 million people use it annually and that figure is expected to rise to 158 million by 2041. Network Rail has been planning to future proof the station to cope with those numbers for a few years now but the redevelopment hasn't been smooth sailing."

"Initial designs, which included the partial demolition of the Victorian station and the addition of a new multi-storey tower above the neighbouring Grade-II listed Andaz Hotel, were submitted to the City of London Corporation in May 2023. These plans, created with property developer Sellar, received thousands of public objections, including from Westminster Council, Historic England, the Victorian Society, and public figures like Stephen Fry and Tracey Emin, forcing Network Rail to go back to the drawing board."

"Revised plans produced by a different team, including new architects Acme (and not including Sellar), were submitted last year. Among the amendments are a reduction in size of the office block above the station, a realignment of the building so it no longer interferes with the hotel, a redesign of the station entrance, and the addition of landscaping and benches by the Kindertransport statue."

Liverpool Street station serves National Rail, Overground, Elizabeth Line and Underground services and currently handles about 118 million passengers annually, rising to a projected 158 million by 2041. Network Rail proposed a £1.2bn redevelopment to future‑proof capacity, including a 318ft mixed‑use tower above the concourse and an enlarged concourse with family rooms and quiet areas. Initial proposals involved partial demolition of the Victorian station and a tower above the Grade‑II listed Andaz Hotel, prompting thousands of objections and a redesign. Revised plans reduce the office block, realign the building away from the hotel, redesign the entrance, add landscaping, and won planning approval amid ongoing heritage opposition.

Read at London On The Inside