The Imperial Wharf station will allow for easier, quicker and more punctual passenger journeys from today (Tuesday 28th June), after the implementation of a new entrance which provides access to northbound London Overground and Southern services.
These upgrade works have come to a cost of £1.7m, being funded by the Department for Transport to then be unveiled by Network Rail, Transport for London (TfL) and Arriva Rail London, who oversee the operations of the London Overground on behalf of the TfL.
Customers can expect a significant improvement in their daily commutes as the inclusion of a second entrance and ticket gate line will allow for much quicker and easy access for the northbound services towards Shepherds Bush, Willesden Junction and Stratford. The ease of access now available will help in the reduction of congestion in the station, thus improving journey times.
The new entrance is situated at the end of the platform, where an existing stair well was situated to be used as a fire escape. This refurbishment of existing infrastructure represented the most cost-effective means of delivering the new entrance, whilst causing as little disruption as possible. A covered walkway has also been integrated into the design, which provides a shelter for passengers against the external elements.
Originally, the platform access was via a two-way staircase that would experience high levels of congestion during the peak station times. Through this new entrance, the station will be able to move the flow of passenger traffic more neatly and efficiently, allowing the trains to depart more promptly, which leads to higher satisfaction with customers.
Attending the special opening event were Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham along with Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, Nathan Griffiths from ARL and Katie Frost from Network Rail.
Speaking at the event, Greg Hands MP, said:
“I was here with then London Mayor Boris Johnson at the original opening of Imperial Wharf station in 2009, and am delighted to be here again today to celebrate its refurbishment. The station has provided invaluable and well-used public transport to Sands End and Chelsea Harbour, which had long been cut off. I am delighted to see these improvement works today!”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, said:
“This upgrade demonstrates how effective partnership can help enhance and expand access to London’s transport network. This additional entrance is the latest in a series of fantastic improvements to London’s public transport network this year, following on from the upgrade to Bank station on the London Underground and the opening of the new Elizabeth line.”
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