A significant step towards making Hither Green station fully accessible has been achieved, with a major piece of infrastructure successfully installed over the early May bank holiday weekend as part of the Access for All programme.
In a complex and highly visible operation, a new footbridge linking all platforms to the station’s new entrances on Fernbrook Road and Springbank Road was lifted into place on Saturday 2 May. The lift required the use of two heavy‑lift cranes – 500‑tonne and 650‑tonne units – and marks a major milestone in the £28 million scheme to transform customer movement and accessibility at the busy Southeastern station.
The footbridge forms the centrepiece of a wider programme of works that will deliver step‑free access across the entire station for the first time. The scheme also includes the installation of four new 16‑person lifts, new staircases, and a link passageway between platforms 4 and 5, significantly improving circulation and interchange for all passengers.
Once complete, the new facilities will provide step‑free access from street level to every platform, delivering substantial benefits for disabled customers, passengers travelling with luggage, and those using pushchairs.
When the programme reaches completion by summer 2027, Hither Green will, for the first time in its history, offer step‑free access from the street to the platforms, aligning the station with modern accessibility standards across the rail network.
Alongside the core accessibility works, the project will also deliver a range of customer and operational improvements. These include the installation of new CCTV, a public address (PA) system, a customer information system (CIS), ticket vending machines (TVMs) and Oyster card readers, enhancing both safety and the overall passenger experience.
Environmental considerations are also embedded within the programme. Works include the reinstatement of the adjacent nature reserve, with replanting planned to support environmental recovery and biodiversity following construction activity.
The scheme is being managed by Network Rail, with construction delivered by BAM Nuttall Ltd as principal contractor, working alongside architects Fereday‑Pollard & Partners and civil engineering designers Arcadis. While the main accessibility elements are scheduled for completion by summer 2027, the full programme is expected to conclude by autumn 2027.
Paul Richmond, Senior Programme Sponsor for Network Rail said:
“Our hard work at the station is paying off and is already highlighting how the ongoing improvements will significantly enhance the experience of customers at Hither Green.
“The lifting into place of the new footbridge is a significant moment and means that people can see first-hand the scale of the work to make Hither Green an accessible station for the first time. We are looking forward to progressing further with the work by the end of this year.”
Hodan Hassan, Commercial Scheme Sponsor, said:
“Installing the new footbridge is a key milestone for the Hither Green Access for All programme and brings us closer to delivering step free access across the station. I want to thank customers and the local community for their patience while work continues.”
Image & video credits: Network Rail
