An upgrade worth millions of pounds will see Elephant & Castle station offer step-free access to commuters for the first time.
New passenger tunnels will be built, connecting a new underground station box (which is currently under construction) with the station’s existing Northern line platforms and overbridge. Work on the station box, which is being led by Delancy, began in January 2022, while Dragados UK will begin work on the new tunnels next year.
A completion date has been set for 2027. Once finished, the Northern line platforms will offer the station’s passengers step-free access for the first time.
This will be the first stage in the station’s upgrade, which also includes a new ticket hall and entrance to the Northern line and a proposed extension of the Bakerloo line.
The redevelopment is part of a wider effort to overhaul the area, which includes the construction of a new campus for the London College of Communication. TfL has said that the station upgrade will “support the delivery of more than 10,000 new jobs and 5,000 new homes” in the area, with at least 1,650 being affordable.
The plans will provide over 1,700 square metres of new concourse space, which will improve the station’s capacity by over 30 per cent.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport said: “I’m delighted TfL has now appointed a tunnelling contractor so work can continue on the vital Elephant and Castle Tube station upgrade.”
“These significant upgrades will not only improve customer journeys through the station but will also support the delivery of thousands of new jobs and homes in Elephant and Castle, supporting the Mayor’s aim for a fairer, greener London for everyone.”
Of London’s 272 Tube stations, 92 currently offer step-free access, according to TfL.
All 49 Elizabeth line stations and more than 60 Overground ones are step-free, as are all DLR stations and tram stops.
