Peckham Rye Station to Undergo £5m Heritage Restoration, But Accessibility Plans Remain on Hold
Network Rail has confirmed a significant £5 million refurbishment project for Peckham Rye station in South London, aimed at enhancing the area's regeneration efforts. The works, scheduled for completion by summer 2027, will focus on restoring the booking hall to its original 19th-century heritage appearance, creating a more historically authentic environment for passengers.
Key Improvements and Notable Omissions
The revamp will introduce several practical upgrades to improve passenger experience. Ticket machines will be relocated, and an extended gate line will be installed to alleviate overcrowding during peak hours. Additional enhancements include new digital information screens and fully refurbished toilet facilities, all designed to make the station more user-friendly.
However, the project has drawn criticism for its conspicuous lack of step-free access, a feature that local campaigners and disabled passengers have long advocated for. Peckham Rye holds the unfortunate distinction of being the busiest railway interchange in London without full accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.
Background on Accessibility Delays
Plans to install lifts at the station were formally paused by the Department for Transport during a spending review in June 2025. This decision has left many in the community frustrated, as the station's current layout poses significant challenges for disabled travellers.
Nathan Rollinson, a wheelchair user, shared his experience with the BBC, highlighting how the absence of step-free access drastically affects his daily life. What should be a 45-minute journey home from work often extends to three hours when he finishes late at night, underscoring the real-world impact of this accessibility gap.
Detailed Station Upgrades
Network Rail has outlined specific improvements that will transform Peckham Rye into a brighter and more welcoming station. Enhanced lighting throughout the premises will improve safety and visibility, while two new doors and the extended gate line aim to reduce congestion in high-traffic areas.
Platforms three and four will be remodelled to create additional space, facilitating smoother passenger flow. The station's exterior will also benefit from coordinated development, as it opens onto Peckham Rye Station Square, which is concurrently being redesigned by Southwark Council as part of broader urban renewal efforts.
Future Prospects and Official Statements
Transport authorities have indicated that the current refurbishment is a stepping stone towards more comprehensive future projects. They argue that completing these initial improvements now will lay the groundwork for eventual step-free access installations, pending the availability of dedicated funding in coming years.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, commented: “We look forward to delivering this investment to give passengers a brighter and less crowded station, ahead of the proposed major upgrade that we still hope to secure funding for in the future. These short-term changes will make a real difference to people’s journeys and ensure the station is part of Peckham’s regeneration story for years to come.”
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with many welcoming the aesthetic and functional upgrades while expressing disappointment over the continued delay in addressing critical accessibility needs at one of London's most important transport hubs.
