Plan To Improve Access To Liverpool St Station

A public consultation has been launched into the proposed £1.5bn redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station, the BBC reports. The new plans include better step-free access for customers to the platforms. The developers are Sellar, who were also responsible for the landmark Shard project.

The owners of the site, Network Rail, are working with Sellar and architects Herzog & De Meuron to upgrade the current facilities, which are prone to overcrowding. At present, there is only one wheelchair platform lift for disabled travellers, and the developers propose adding a further seven lifts.

Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: "The plans would transform Liverpool Street station into an exciting mixed-use destination in its own right, whilst sensitively restoring and showcasing the station's heritage architecture.”

He added: "We're delivering it through a public and private partnership, which will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and the region."

However, the Victorian Society have raised objections to the scheme, arguing that it will damage the heritage and character of the listed Victorian era station. It was constructed in the 1870s, and is now one of London’s busiest transport hubs.

Victorian Society Director, Joe O’Donnell, said: “It is extremely disappointing that a proposed redevelopment of a major Victorian station has got this far without speaking to the Victorian Society - especially where public bodies such as Network Rail and TFL are involved.”

He added: “As a statutory consultee, it makes sense to speak to us at an early stage. However, despite our writing to TfL and Network Rail months ago, asking to be involved in discussions, we heard nothing until the plans were announced. Consequently, we cannot comment on the details of the plans.”

Sellar also plan to construct a 10-storey hotel and office complex next to the station, with adjacent public green spaces.