Liverpool Street Station Redevelopment: Network Rail’s £multimillion Vision for the City of London

Network Rail has unveiled a multimillion-pound proposal to redevelop Liverpool Street station, describing it as a project to make Britain’s busiest railway hub “fit for the future” and secure its role as a landmark gateway to the City of London.

Currently used by more than 118 million passengers each year, the station is forecast to handle over 200 million annual journeys in the future. The redevelopment plans include eight new lifts, six new escalators, a larger concourse, and step-free access throughout the station, tackling issues raised in a public consultation of more than 2,000 respondents.

Accessibility and passenger experience came out as the highest priorities, with calls for better lifts and escalators, improved toilet facilities, and easier movement around the station. The scheme also reflects wider commitments such as the government’s Access for All programme, which is designed to improve accessibility at stations across the country.

The cost of the project will run into “hundreds of millions of pounds,” Network Rail confirmed, with investment covered through private partnerships and the creation of new office space. The initiative, called Time for Liverpool Street, aligns with the City of London Corporation’s plans for long-term growth, which include attracting investment and boosting productivity in the Square Mile.

Robin Dobson, group property director for Network Rail Property, said the scheme balanced modern needs with heritage:
“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. Our plans put passengers first whilst respecting and retaining the station’s Victorian features, including the iconic train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel.”

The design, created by ACME, seeks to blend new features with Victorian character. Proposed elements include entrances on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate and Exchange Square, enhanced signage, a roof structure aligned with the station’s original 1875 architecture, and even a dog-friendly area. The station’s historic status is recognised by Historic England, which highlights Liverpool Street’s unique combination of Victorian and modern architecture.

Friedrich Ludewig, founding director of ACME, explained:

“Liverpool Street is one of London’s great Victorian stations and our proposals will make the station accessible, permeable and celebrate its function as the gateway into the City of London. We have embraced the challenge to design new entrances reflecting its position as the UK’s busiest train station, and roof structures that speak to the original 1875 structures and the 1990s extension.”

The redevelopment also links to wider debates on London’s infrastructure future. The National Infrastructure Commission has argued that long-term investment in rail and transport is essential to keep cities competitive internationally, especially as London faces growing demand on its networks.

For passengers, the promise of improved facilities and easier travel could redefine their daily commute while ensuring the station reflects its role as both a transport hub and a piece of living heritage.

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[Image Credit | The Architects’ Journal]

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