Network Rail Property has revealed exciting new plans to redevelop London Liverpool Street, Britain’s busiest station, aiming to significantly enhance the customer experience.
The vision is to transform the station into a destination in its own right, capable of meeting future demands.
Currently, London Liverpool Street station serves as a crucial transport hub, connecting over 100 million passengers annually within London and the southeast. This number is expected to rise to over 140 million by 2050.
This is a transport-led scheme promoted by Network Rail Property focussed on providing big improvements to the everyday experience for passengers, including:
- Increasing the size of the concourse to ease congestion
- Step-free access across the station and London Underground
- Delivering 7 new lifts to make Network Rail platforms and the London Underground more accessible.
- Increasing the number of escalators from 4 to 8 to enable easier access to the trains
- More ticket barriers to reduce queuing
- New toilets, including family facilities on all levels of the station.
- New landmark entrances on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate and Exchange Square.
- Additional waiting lounges
- Better signage throughout, making the busses easier to find.
- More cycle storage with direct access to platforms
- More space for passengers inside the station
- A greater variety of cafes, restaurants and shops
A previous proposal submitted in 2023 faced considerable opposition from heritage organisations. In response to a wide range of feedback, Network Rail Property is now spearheading a consultation on new plans. These plans aim to deliver substantial improvements to public infrastructure, creating a top-tier destination station while preserving the station’s historic character.
Commenting on the new scheme, Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail Property, said:
“Investing in transport infrastructure is key to unlocking future economic growth.”
"We’ve spent time talking and listening: our latest plans celebrate Victorian features including the original train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel.
" Network Rail Property is leading a new team with a new approach which will respect the station’s unique heritage - simple in design, embracing London’s mix of the old with the new.
“A new office building on top of the station concourse will generate the money to pay for these improvements.”
ACME is collaborating with Network Rail Property to develop new proposals for Liverpool Street Station. These plans are grounded in a deep understanding of the station’s operational requirements and its historical importance. The original 1864 station and its 1991 redesign are notable for their cathedral-like concourse and train shed. The new concourse roof will continue this architectural tradition into the 21st century.
Friedrich Ludewig, Founding Director, ACME commented:
"We are delighted to be part of this monumental design challenge to create a world-class transport gateway in the City of London.
“Working with Network Rail Property, we are creating a transport hub that will work for the city and all Londoners. The 1990s saw a few stations such as Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross compromised by Over-Station Development.
At Liverpool Street, we will retain the sense of a tall and airy concourse, with a flexible workplace building above to fund the development of the station at street level.”
Network Rail will engage with passengers, local businesses, heritage groups, and elected representatives to discuss the proposed changes. They plan to submit a planning application within the next few months.
Photo: Network Rail
