The controversial 1.2 billion makeover of London's busiest train station has been officially approved

"Network Rail was granted planning permission by the City of London to transform the station. Liverpool Street was last redeveloped in 1991 and passenger numbers have tripled since then, making it London's busiest terminal. It's estimated that 158 million people could pass through the station in 2041. With the approved plans created by ACME architects, 'Pool Street will see it's concourse capacity increased by 76 percent while the station will be made fully accessible with step-free access from street level to all platforms including the London Underground."

"Liverpool Street Station is a chaotic place. On any given day, a trip through Livvy Street will likely see you come face to face with drunk city workers clutching McDonald's bags, rowdy hen and stag dos and miffed tourists trying to fight their way through the hubbub. That's why there have been plans to redevelop the Victorian station for quite a while."

Liverpool Street Station will undergo a £1.2 billion redevelopment after Network Rail received planning permission from the City of London. Passenger numbers have tripled since the last major rebuild in 1991, and projections estimate 158 million users by 2041. Approved ACME plans increase Pool Street concourse capacity by 76 percent and provide step-free access from street level to all platforms, including eight new lifts, six new escalators, toilets on all levels, and new landmark entrances. The Victorian trainshed will remain intact while an office block with a publicly accessible roof garden will be built above the station.

Read at Time Out London