03.06.14
Crossrail reveals new Ealing Broadway station designs
Crossrail has unveiled its redesigned improvement proposals for Ealing Broadway station, including a new entrance twice the size of the existing one.
Since submitting proposals at the end of last year that were rejected by Ealing Council, Crossrail says it has worked with the council, local developers and nearby landowners to ‘broaden’ the scheme and revise the plans for the station. The council had been unhappy with the plans for the exterior and that the entrance needed a more “innovative” design.
The new design, by Bennetts Associates Architects, includes a long, curved canopy running the length of the forecourt that reflects the prominence and importance of the station building.
The current dated façade is to be replaced with a glass structure and a new entrance, which will allow much more natural light into the building.
Matthew White, Crossrail surface director, said: “Ealing Broadway will be a key stop on the Crossrail route and we understand the need to provide local people with a much better station building than they have at the moment.
“By working with the council, community groups, developers and nearby landowners we have improved our proposals and broadened the scheme. Our plans are for a station that will be brighter, more spacious, easier to get around and more visually prominent.”
Inside the station, Crossrail has proposed to introduce a ticket hall more than twice the size of the existing one with capacity for 17 standard ticket gates and one wide gate.
It also plans to install four new lifts to provide step-free access from street level to all platforms; improve the staircases to platforms 1 and 2/3; extend platforms to accommodate the new high-capacity Crossrail trains; new toilet facilities; and the installation of new customer information screens, station signage, help points and CCTV.
The revised designs will be open to community consultation before Ealing Council takes its decision on planning. Cllr Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “The council was determined to secure a high quality station for Ealing Broadway and has worked hard with Crossrail to ensure the designs match Ealing’s aspirations.
“We are confident that the revised station plans will create a building which works better for people and is of a scale and appearance that benefits Ealing as west London’s premier town centre.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]