London Liverpool Street station is poised for a substantial upgrade in the upcoming year.
Progress has been made towards the transformation of the UK’s busiest railway hub, which connects to the Elizabeth line, London Underground, and Stansted Express services.
Network Rail has revealed its intention to enhance the station, citing ‘considerable overcrowding’, challenges for those with disabilities, luggage, and small children, as well as a ‘confusing’ station layout for travelers.
The station – which accommodated 94,499,824 passengers last year – currently has only one public elevator.
Here are the proposed changes for Liverpool Street Station, pending approval.
Changes at London Liverpool Street Station in 2025
Now, in partnership with ACME architects, Network Rail has submitted a planning proposal for the City of London to finalize the design of the upgrade.
- A spacious new concourse is designed to double the area, thereby reducing congestion.
- Increase in elevators from one to seven to facilitate step-free Tube access.
- Installation of ten new escalators, an increase from the previous four.
- Additional ticket barriers to minimize waiting times.
- New lavatories and family amenities.
- Enhancements for step-free access.
(Image: Network Rail)
The entrances at Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, and Exchange Square are also planned for renovation. The plans detail the addition of more waiting areas, bike storage with direct access to the platforms, and a newly proposed office tower.
The developers assert that the station’s ‘original Victorian architecture will be preserved and improved alongside a careful restoration of the Andaz Hotel.’
The redevelopment initiative also includes the establishment of a new five-star hotel managed by Hyatt, adjacent to the station within the Grade II listed Andaz building.
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Network Rail has stated that London Liverpool Street is expected to remain operational during the renovations.
Nonetheless, not everyone is in favor of the redevelopment plans. Heritage advocates, including the Victorian Society and Historic England, opposed last year’s proposal, which featured a 21-story skyscraper.
According to Historic England officials, the previous proposal was deemed ‘oversized and insensitive.’
The updated plan has reduced the height of the skyscraper by 10 meters, as reported by the Twentieth Century Society advocates.
A Network Rail representative remarked: ‘After gathering a wide array of opinions, Network Rail Property is spearheading the consultation on new designs that will provide substantial enhancements to public infrastructure for a premier destination station that honors the station’s heritage context.’
When is the construction expected to start?
Construction is slated to commence in 2025 at the earliest.
The station upgrades are anticipated to be completed around 2026, with the new commercial building containing shops and offices expected by 2030, given that plans proceed smoothly.
The station will be closed from Christmas Day until January due to unrelated engineering efforts.
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