Liverpool Street Station's £1.2 Billion Redevelopment Plan Approved
A major £1.2 billion redevelopment plan for London Liverpool Street station, one of the UK's busiest railway hubs, has been approved by the City of London's planning committee. The controversial proposal includes constructing a 97-metre (318ft) mixed-use tower block over the station concourse, aiming to modernise the facility and accommodate future passenger growth.
Approval and Next Steps
The plans were overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 19 to three after a two-hour meeting. The application will now proceed to London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Communities Secretary Steve Reed for final approvals. Developers have indicated that if all goes smoothly, the new commercial building with shops and offices could be completed by 2030, though an exact construction start date remains unclear pending further approvals.
Key Upgrades and Improvements
Network Rail has outlined a series of upgrades designed to address longstanding issues such as overcrowding, poor accessibility for people with disabilities, luggage, and small children, and a confusing layout. The redevelopment aims to 'future-proof' the station for up to 200 million passengers in the coming decades. Key improvements include:
- A large new concourse increasing overall capacity by 76%
- Eight new lifts for step-free Tube access
- Ten new escalators, replacing the previous four
- Additional ticket barriers to reduce wait times
- Enhanced step-free access throughout the station and Underground
- New toilets and family facilities on all station levels
- Improved signage for better navigation
- More secure bicycle storage options
- A variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops
- New landmark entrances on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, and Exchange Square
The proposal also includes a new five-star hotel operated by Hyatt as part of the Andaz Hotel, a Grade II listed building adjacent to the station. The office tower will be realigned to better showcase this historic structure.
Public Reaction and Controversy
The redevelopment has sparked significant debate, with over 3,700 objections and more than 1,100 expressions of support. Critics, including actor Griff Rhys Jones, president of the Victorian Society and the Liverpool Street Station Campaign (Lissca), have condemned the plans as a 'sad day for the City of London.' Jones argued that the tower is a 'disfiguring billion pound office block' that threatens heritage assets, destroys listed buildings, and prioritises retail over commuter needs.
SAVE Britain's Heritage echoed these concerns, calling it a 'missed opportunity' for less disruptive funding approaches. Lissca has stated it will await decisions from the Mayor and Secretary of State, potentially considering further action.
Support and Justification
In contrast, supporters highlight the economic and infrastructural benefits. Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, emphasised that the redevelopment will support the City's business ecosystem, create jobs, and enhance its global competitiveness. He described it as a step toward a modern, inclusive transport hub.
Ellie Burrows, managing director for Network Rail's Eastern region, added that the plans focus on improving passenger experience while respecting the station's unique heritage. With annual passenger numbers forecast to reach 158 million, the upgrades are deemed essential for long-term sustainability.
The redevelopment of Liverpool Street station represents a pivotal moment in London's urban development, balancing modernisation with heritage preservation amidst ongoing public and political scrutiny.
