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Revised plans to redevelop Liverpool Street Station have been submitted with the City of London Corporation.
The £1 billion project, proposed by Network Rail, is intended to future-proof the station and vary its offerings as it looks to serve more than 200 million passengers a year.
An original planning application was filed in May 2023, though fresh plans were unveiled last November after it received more than 2,000 objections from the public, heritage groups and other campaigners.
Ahead of revealing the new scheme, Network Rail replaced lead architect Herzog & de Meuron with Acme and dropped its development partner Sellar, known for major projects such as the Shard.
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The alternative scheme featured amendments including reducing the size of the office block to stand above the station, while also realigning the building to avoid interfering with the Grade-II* listed Andaz Hotel, redesigning station entrances, and landscaping and benches around the Kindertransport Statue.
Network Rail has said that in a public consultation on the updated plans nearly 2,000 comments were received, with three-quarters supporting the proposal.
The top three priorities were recorded as; step-free access to the station, new lifts and escalators, and new toilet facilities.
A range of other works are also proposed, from increasing the size of the concourse to improving wayfinding and delivering family rooms and quiet areas.
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Heritage groups, including The Victorian Society, have however retained their opposition to the updated plans. Of particular concern is the proposed demolition of the existing station concourse, with the group’s President Griff Rhys Jones previously saying they ‘cannot accept that this is the best way forward’.
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director for Network Rail Property, said: “We’re proud to be leading the submission of a transformative scheme for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station — one that is a truly accessible and inclusive space, can support the forecasted annual passenger rise to over 200 million and deliver vital improvements to the everyday experience of passengers while respecting and celebrating the station’s historic character.
“Investing in transport infrastructure is essential to unlocking future economic growth for London and beyond. This investment will ensure Liverpool Street remains a landmark gateway to the City of London for generations to come.
“Following extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, our plans put passengers first whilst respecting and retaining the station’s Victorian features, including the iconic trainshed and the Great Eastern Hotel.”
Liverpool Street Station is the UK’s busiest, serving multiple transport links including the Overground, Underground and Elizabeth Line.
Currently connecting 118m people a year, annual passenger numbers are expected to grow to 158m by 2041.
