TfL Announces Transformative Plans for South Kensington Underground Station
Transport for London (TfL) has revealed ambitious proposals to overhaul South Kensington Tube station, a key transport hub serving over 30 million passengers annually. The plans centre on making the station fully step-free, but this significant upgrade is contingent upon securing the required funding.
Comprehensive Accessibility and Expansion Proposals
According to a draft business plan for 2026 to 2030, TfL has already obtained the necessary permissions to install step-free access from street level to all platforms, including the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, as well as the museum subway. The transport body estimates that approximately 500,000 journeys are currently forgone each year due to the station's lack of accessibility.
Beyond step-free access, the project includes expanding the ticketing hall to alleviate congestion and reopening and enlarging the disused eastbound platform. TfL asserts these modifications will render passenger journeys "significantly easier and quicker." The plans also encompass sensitive restoration of the historic arcade and the provision of 50 new homes, with 35 per cent designated as on-site affordable housing, alongside new retail and office spaces.
Strategic Importance and Local Support
South Kensington station, ranked as London's 13th busiest, acts as a vital gateway to world-renowned attractions such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall. It is also heavily utilised by thousands of patients, students, and staff accessing local hospitals and university campuses.
Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, hailed the announcement as "promising" and reaffirmed the council's commitment to contributing 10 per cent of the estimated £100 million-plus cost. "After years of campaigning it will be truly brilliant to get this commitment from Transport for London," she stated, acknowledging the station's critical role for residents and visitors alike.
Political Backing and Funding Campaign
Joe Powell, MP for Kensington and Bayswater, who has spearheaded a funding campaign since summer 2024, praised the development. His campaign successfully advocated for a multi-year funding settlement from the Government for TfL and secured contributions from the local authority, developers, and landowners. "I'm delighted that the Mayor and Transport for London have agreed to back our campaign to modernise the station," Powell remarked, highlighting the project's potential to boost tourism, create jobs, and spur investment.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, emphasised the Mayor's determination to enhance network fairness and accessibility. "South Kensington Tube Station is one of the busiest stations in the capital... That's why we're pleased to be progressing work to transform this station," he said, noting the broader context of ongoing step-free access projects at Leyton and Northolt stations, aligning with the Mayor's goal to make 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free.
