Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed its intention to award Costain the design and build contract for the long-awaited transformation of South Kensington Underground station, paving the way for full step-free access and major capacity improvements at one of London's busiest and most culturally significant transport hubs.
The project, being delivered through TfL's Infrastructure Improvement Framework, marks a significant milestone in plans to modernise the station while preserving its historic character. Costain will undertake both the detailed design and construction phases, delivering step-free access to the Circle, District and Piccadilly line platforms, the ticket hall, and the pedestrian subway linking the station to nearby museums.
A new accessible station entrance will be created on Thurloe Street, while a dedicated eastbound Circle and District line platform will be brought into passenger use. Historic features across the station will also be restored as part of the programme.
Located at the heart of London's renowned museum district, South Kensington station serves tens of millions of passengers annually, providing access to institutions including the Natural History Museum, Imperial College London, the Royal Brompton Hospital and the Royal Marsden Hospital.
When completed in 2031, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Natural History Museum, the upgrades will significantly improve accessibility and increase station capacity, helping to alleviate overcrowding while making journeys easier for wheelchair users, passengers with pushchairs and those with reduced mobility.
The station works will be closely integrated with an adjacent over-station development being delivered by a joint venture between Native Land and Places for London. The wider scheme will include new homes, affordable housing, office accommodation and enhanced retail space, while respecting the area's architectural heritage.
Funding will come from TfL's Business Plan, alongside a £12 million contribution from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and additional funding from the 1851 Commission.
Enabling Works Due to Begin This Year
With contract award imminent, enabling works are expected to commence before the end of the year. Initial activities will focus on a currently vacant retail unit at 34 Thurloe Street, which will eventually become the station's new step-free entrance.
The preparatory works are expected to last around eight weeks and have been designed to minimise disruption to local residents, businesses and passengers.
Industry Leaders Welcome Progress
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:
"I’m delighted that our plans to transform the internationally important South Kensington station are fully progressing. Awarding the contract to Costain means that, working closely with Native Land and Places for London - our wholly-owned property company - we can deliver step-free access here for the first time, as well as provide improved space for businesses. It will also see the delivery of new homes, including on-site affordable housing, and radically improve the station for the millions of people who travel through or live in and around South Kensington."
Alasdair Nicholls, Chief Executive of Native Land, said:
"The awarding of the contract to Costain is a major step forward for the world-class transit-oriented redevelopment of South Kensington Tube Station. This a project that will unlock huge benefits for Londoners and enhance our city’s international reputation as a leading cultural destination. Our joint venture team at Native Land and Places for London will work side-by-side with TfL and Costain to deliver a major regeneration of the buildings and public realm around the station. Crucially, we will ensure that step-free access is delivered as part of phase one of the works."
Alistair Geddes, Rail Sector Director at Costain, said:
"Since being selected to Transport for London’s Infrastructure Improvement Framework, we’ve worked hard to support early-stage planning and mobilisation for the planned major infrastructure upgrades across the capital, bringing our engineering led solutions to the table to ensure predictable delivery.
"In close collaboration with TfL and our supply partners, we’re ready to deliver upgrades to the internationally important South Kensington station that will improve London’s transport network and enhance the passenger experience for decades to come."
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said:
"This is important progress on the journey to upgrade South Kensington Tube station and the surrounding area, which will see millions of Londoners, commuters and tourists benefit from step-free access providing a smoother travel experience. The restoration of this historic design alongside new affordable housing, office space and commercial opportunities is exactly the kind of development we need as we continue to build a better London for everyone."
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said:
"We have campaigned for years for a South Kensington station that is better for everyone, and we’ve backed that ambition with a significant financial contribution. Full step-free access to every line is essential, and the award of this contract is a major milestone towards delivering the station our residents and visitors deserve.
"South Kensington is one of London’s most important gateways, serving world-leading museums, hospitals, universities and businesses. This investment will transform the experience of millions of passengers and make the station accessible for generations to come."
Dr Doug Gurr, Director at the Natural History Museum, said:
"This is wonderful news and the upgrade will no doubt deliver a magnificent arrival experience worthy of one of the world's greatest cultural quarters."
Dr Richard Grocott-Mason, Chief Executive of the Royal Brompton Hospital, said:
"I’m thrilled to see the project moving forward having cleared this latest hurdle. Many of our patients are coping with serious illness at what can already be a challenging time in their lives. Anything we can do to make their journeys to all our hospitals here in Chelsea simpler, more accessible and more dignified matters enormously, and the new scheme will do exactly that."
Wider Regeneration Plans
The wider development surrounding South Kensington station received full planning permission in December 2023 and has been designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects RSHP.
Plans include the restoration of the station's historic arcade, refurbishment of surrounding retail units and delivery of 50 new homes, including affordable housing. A distinctive four-storey building known as "The Bullnose" will also be constructed at the front of the station, creating new retail, food and beverage opportunities alongside flexible workspace.
Although the station enhancement works and commercial development are being delivered through separate contracts, programme alignment between TfL, Costain, Native Land and Places for London will be essential to ensure seamless delivery and minimise disruption throughout construction.
Image credits: Network Rail
