18.10.16
Proposals submitted for Crossrail upgrade of Ilford station
Ilford station will get a new building in the latest stage of improvements as part of the Crossrail project.
The Network Rail proposals, now submitted to Redbridge Borough Council, include a new, spacious station building with a glass façade to let natural light through. It is intended to be a recognisable landmark on Cranbrook Road.
Ilford will also get a larger ticket hall, with a wider entrance and longer gateline, and lifts, in order to provide step-free access to all platforms.
Matthew Steele, Crossrail programme director at Network Rail, said: “This planning application represents a significant step towards preparing Ilford station for the arrival of the new train service.
“The proposed design not only looks great but will increase capacity and accessibility with the addition of step-free access. This enhanced design will therefore secure Ilford station’s future to meet the expected growth in demand for rail travel.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan made the first station-to-station journey on Crossrail, now called the Elizabeth Line after the queen, last month, to mark the project reaching 75% completion.
The project is on track for the first new trains to be introduced between Shenfield in Essex and Liverpool Street Main Line station from May next year. From May 2019, up to 12 trains an hour will travel from Ilford to central London.
Mark Woodcock, associate architect at Atkins, which designed the new station building, said: “It is designed to be a significant presence, not only visible from Cranbrook Road, but also from Balfour Road and Ilford Hill, from where the station with its sloping and projecting curved roofline and glazed lift tower is intended to act as a common converging point from these routes.”
Other improvements to prepare the station for Crossrail include longer platforms, improved lighting, signage, customer information points, CCTV and overhead information screens.
Matthew White, Crossrail’s surface director, said: “These major improvements will make travelling through Ilford station a vastly better experience for the many thousands of people who use it every day. The proposals for the striking façade and new, spacious ticket hall are designed to underline the importance of the station and of the Elizabeth line to the local area.”
Transport for London has already opened a new ticket hall at Ilford station on York Road. Redbridge Borough Council is also carrying out improvements to the appearance of the local area around the station.
Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said: “The arrival of the Elizabeth Line will represent a milestone game changing moment for Ilford. Commuting times will be slashed and the Elizabeth Line will rapidly link us to the City, West End and Heathrow Airport.”
(Image c. Crossrail)
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