The London Legacy Development Corporation (LDDC) – working with TfL, Network Rail and Newham Council – has announced the second stage of the upgrade to Stratford station, with costs estimated at between £300 million and £1 billion.
The plans also include up to 1000 affordable homes and 10,000 jobs; more open spaces and improved access within the station; and better connections between the platforms and the Westfield Shopping Centre. There are also plans for a new walkway between the bus station and the Olympic Park.
Since the Olympics in 2012, Stratford has become a popular destination, with the station being a key interchange between the Jubilee, Central and the new Elizabeth line. Services to Essex and North London also run from here, and the Docklands Light Railway connects the station with Canary Wharf, the City and South East London.
The station is one of the country’s busiest, with 14 million entries and exits logged between in March 2020 and April 2021. Several pinch points for heavy congestion have been identified, such as the central stairway that brings people directly down towards the entrance and the exit barriers.
During the rush hour periods a one-way system has become necessary in order to move people safely around the tunnels that connect the main platforms.
The consultation process on this second set of plans has now begun. The online reaction to the redevelopment has been muted, though some have highlighted that a lack of toilet facilities mean travellers have to go to Westfield.
Others found the station confusing.
Spatial design company 5th Studio have partnered with Newham Council to draw up plans that The Department of Transport has allocated £2 million for.
Consultation runs until 18th November and the website states: “Planning, designing, funding, and building all of the improvements will take at least ten years”.
To view the plans and have your say click on this link.