10.09.14
Next steps for major expansion of Bank station
Transport for London (TfL) has applied for powers to enlarge Bank station, it was announced today.
If powers are granted for the redevelopment to go ahead, a new southbound Northern Line tunnel will be built through Bank station, together with wider platforms, more lifts and escalators, and a 96 metre moving walkway to speed up interchange between Tube lines. Currently 98,000 customers go through Bank station in the morning peak, however, when works are complete the station will be able to cater for more than 140,000 customers, an additional 43%.
TfL submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to the Secretary of State for Transport to carry out the works, as the number of passengers who use Bank and Monument stations is set to increase in coming years.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “Bank is a key interchange for passengers and it’s vital that we keep pace with the huge increase in demand we’re seeing now and in the future. The redevelopment to enlarge Bank Station will make it more accessible and be another major step in transforming our Tube network which is crucial to support London as a driver of the UK economy.”
If the TWAO is granted and funding is secured construction would begin in 2016 with an expected completion date in 2021.
Feedback from four public consultations has shown strong public support for the scheme. Now the application has been submitted a public inquiry is expected to be held during spring 2015. The government’s decision is expected by the end of that year.
A YouGov poll last year showed that Bank was “clearly the most disliked Tube station in London”.
David Waboso, London Underground’s capital programmes director, said: “I’m proud of the effort our team has made to develop this project and that we’re now at the point to seek powers from Government and drive it forward.
“This is a vital piece of construction work and with it being so close to internationally renowned listed buildings and a working station will be a complex and challenging project to manage. However, we have a vast amount of skills and experience to see it through and have worked with the best of the international engineering community to provide us with an innovative and cost effective solution to increase capacity at Bank station.”
(Photo by Matt Buck, Creative Commons)