18.12.12
£30m TfL funding for Crossrail public realm scheme
Crossrail has secured £30m funding from TfL for the public realm scheme to support regeneration at locations along the route.
The plans will see station design integrated with new and improved public spaces, to be jointly delivered by local authorities and developers. The cost of the public realm scheme is around £90m, £28m already secured through the Crossrail budget and a further £30m contribution from TfL.
The work includes 92,000 square metres of improved public space to be created outside stations; transport interchange improvements, including connections with buses, taxis, cycle parking and walking routes; new trees planted and seating areas constructed.
The scheme will be delivered ahead of Crossrail services starting in 2018, to allow engagement with local authorities and developers. Initial urban realm design work has been completed at 16 stations so far, with plans for another 12 to be completed at the end of 2013.
London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy CBE, said: “It’s vital that Crossrail also acts as a catalyst for improving the public space in the areas it will serve, which is why TfL has committed £30m towards the £90m needed to support public realm regeneration and improve local transport access at locations along the route.”
Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail’s chief executive said: “Crossrail’s public realm plans are deliberately ambitious, exceeding our own requirements and raising the bar on what any other rail schemes have delivered before.
“We are using the huge momentum of this project to encourage further investment in new and improved public spaces and regeneration over a much wider area around Crossrail stations. The additional funding secured from TfL is an important piece in the jigsaw and takes us a step closer towards delivering a legacy of improved public areas and new open space throughout the Crossrail route.”
John Mathers, chief executive Design Council said: “Crossrail’s approach has been innovative and ambitious using design to maximise value, secure quality and deliver wider benefits through supporting wider regeneration. The success of the project and individual stations will depend on how they relate to the streets and spaces around them.
“Over and above the practical functions of the interchanges, Crossrail have realised the potential for public spaces to lift the spirits of station users, create a positive impression for visitors to the city and build new spaces for people to enjoy and use. We look forward to working with the team to ensure that these aspirations are delivered.”
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Image c. Crossrail