Cutty Sark DLR station is set to reopen ahead of schedule on Monday 23 March, giving Londoners and visitors faster, smoother access to Greenwich town centre. Transport for London (TfL) has completed an extensive escalator modernisation project earlier than anticipated—boosting reliability ahead of key events such as the London Marathon and the Easter holidays.
The project forms part of TfL’s wider programme to modernise infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and improve operational resilience across the network.
Four New Heavy‑Duty Escalators Installed
The centrepiece of the upgrade is the installation of four state‑of‑the‑art escalators engineered to handle high passenger volumes and significantly improve station reliability. These assets are now undergoing final testing before reopening.
Alongside the escalator replacements, TfL has delivered a series of station‑wide enhancements designed to improve accessibility, safety, and the customer experience.
Additional Improvements Completed During the Closure
TfL used the station closure to complete a broader programme of works, including:
- A new, more reliable lift providing faster access for all passengers
- Bright white wall coverings to boost light levels and refresh the station’s appearance
- Energy‑efficient LED lighting throughout
- Upgraded fire detection and safety systems
- Deep-cleaning of all customer areas
- Raised ceilings above the upper escalators for a more spacious environment
- New local artwork installed in partnership with Visit Greenwich
Some minor works will continue out‑of‑hours after reopening.
Leaders Welcome the Investment in Reliability and Accessibility
Trish Ashton, Director of Rail at TfL, said:
“We’re delighted to announce that an improved Cutty Sark station will reopen earlier than expected on Monday 23 March, ready to welcome customers back through newly modernised and more reliable station facilities."
"These improvements will make a real difference to customer journeys and support the continued growth and vibrancy of the Greenwich area.”
Seb Dance, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, added:
“It’s fantastic to see this major upgrade at Cutty Sark DLR station being delivered earlier than expected, meaning Londoners and visitors will soon be able to enjoy quicker and easier journeys to and from Greenwich town centre. The Mayor and I feel strongly that everyone should be able to enjoy everything our great city has to offer, so public transport network improvements like this are vital as we continue building a fairer, greener, better London for everyone.”
Lord Duvall OBE AM, Assembly Member for Greenwich and Lewisham, said:
“Fixing the escalators at Cutty Sark DLR has been a long-running issue, so I am glad their repair is nearly complete, and the station is due to reopen ahead of schedule.
Having the DLR station back in action is great news for local residents, and also visitors to the area that supports our local economy.”
Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Councillor, Greenwich Creekside, commented:
“The newly renovated and fully accessible Cutty Sark DLR station is a fantastic moment for Greenwich. It shows we’re a borough embracing the future, with a brighter, more modern and welcoming station for the thousands of local residents and visitors for who it is the gateway to Greenwich.
It’s great news that such a complex project will be delivered ahead of schedule and in time to welcome the world for the London Marathon. With new state-of-the-art escalators and a refreshed station environment, these upgrades secure the long term future of Cutty Sark DLR, ensuring it remains accessible and welcoming to everyone.”
Barrie Kelly, CEO of Visit Greenwich, added:
“We are delighted that the DLR station at Cutty Sark is re-opening well on schedule. As our most important transport hub this will bring a much-needed increase in footfall to our town centre and World Heritage Site as we launch a packed spring and summer season.”
Image credit: Transport for London
