Network Rail Revises Liverpool Street Station Redevelopment Plans

Network Rail has announced that a new project team is revising the redevelopment plans for London’s Liverpool Street Station. Previously, Network Rail collaborated with Sellar, known for developing The Shard, on a £1.5 billion project. This earlier proposal included the partial demolition of the Victorian station and the construction of a new multi-storey tower, designed to cantilever over an adjacent Grade-II* listed former hotel. This shift in approach comes after the previous proposals received thousands of public objections, notably from Westminster Council and Historic England. Despite this, Sellar’s initial planning application has not reportedly been withdrawn and is still being reviewed by the City of London. On the consultation website for the project, named Time For Liverpool Street, Network Rail indicated that its revised plans aim to alleviate congestion, decrease queuing times, and enhance station accessibility. The organization affirmed that the “overall look and feel has been completely reimagined,” further stating: “We’ve spent time talking and listening; our latest plans embrace Victorian features including the original train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel.” Network Rail elaborated that these plans involve positioning a proposed office building above the concourse, set further back from the Great Eastern Hotel. It would also feature a stepped roof with greenery, designed “to respect protected views to St Paul’s.” The statement further specified: “There will be no works on the hotel apart from minor works to adjust how the train shed roof meets the hotel.” Additionally, the new building’s height would be reduced to 97m (318ft) from the previously proposed 108m (354ft). The website also indicates that most of the station’s 1980s train shed roof is planned for retention. Furthermore, the station would incorporate lifts to all ticket halls and platforms, alongside new toilet facilities and updated signage. Network Rail confirmed its collaboration with architects ACME on these plans. Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail Property, commented that the office building is intended to “generate the money to pay for these improvements.” A public webinar is scheduled for 10am on 20 November, and the public has until 4 December to provide feedback through the website, according to Network Rail. James Hughes, Director of The Victorian Society, noted that Network Rail has only recently initiated consultations with the public and amenity societies. He stated that the society would form a view “when we have had time and sufficient material with which to consider it.” A spokesperson for Historic England indicated that the organization is evaluating its stance and “will work closely with Network Rail, alongside the City of London, to advise as the new scheme develops.” Friedrich Ludewig, founding director at ACME, commented: “The 1990s saw a few stations such as Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross compromised by over-station development.” He added: “At Liverpool Street, we will retain the sense of a tall and airy concourse, with a flexible workplace building above to fund the development of the station at street level.” Network Rail has been approached for an update concerning the status of the prior application, and Sellar has also been asked for comment.