Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled a £120 million upgrade for South Kensington Tube station, one of the capital's oldest and busiest underground stations. The Grade II-listed Victorian station, which opened in 1868, will undergo a comprehensive transformation to improve accessibility and reduce overcrowding.
Key Improvements
The redevelopment, delivered in partnership with Native Land and Places for London, focuses on step-free access. A new accessible entrance on Thurloe Street will provide step-free routes to the ticket hall, platforms, and the museum subway. Disused platform 1 will be reopened with a new canopy to serve eastbound Circle and District lines. The historic arcade will be restored to its original condition.
Additional Changes
Platforms will feature low-maintenance planting, new TfL roundels, fewer advertisement panels, and upgraded lighting and speakers. Outside the station, 50 new homes will be built on Pelham Street, including affordable housing. A new four-storey building called 'The Bullnose' will house cafes, restaurants, and offices.
Timeline
Design work begins this summer, with construction starting in December. The upgraded station is expected to open in 2029.
Official Statements
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: 'This upgrade will benefit millions of people, with step-free access providing a smoother travel experience.' Joe Powell, MP for Kensington and Bayswater, added: 'It will make the station accessible to more visitors from around the world.' Sir Ian Blatchford of the Science Museum Group noted that current restrictions affect about three million wheelchair users and buggy users annually.
Historical Context
South Kensington is the 22nd oldest London station, opening on Christmas Eve 1868. Its pedestrian subway under Exhibition Road, opened in 1885, originally charged a penny before becoming free in 1908. The station serves nearly 30 million journeys annually (2024 data) and provides access to the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum.
