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If you’ve been following the Liverpool Street development saga, we have an update for you.
But first, some back information. Livvy Street station’s mega renovation was first announced in 2023, with a proposed £1.5 billion redevelopment that would see a 16-storey tower built on top of the current station. However, the plans were controversial as they would involve partly rebuilding the neighbouring Grade II-listed Victorian hotel, the Andaz (formerly known as the Great Eastern Hotel). The renovation received 2,100 objections, with celebs like Stephen Fry and Tracey Emin joining a campaign to have them halted.
Now a revised plan for the redevelopment has been revealed by Network Rail. The transport authority has submitted a planning application to develop the site into a new retail, leisure and workspace destination. The new application features amendments including reducing the size of the office block above the station, realigning the building to avoid interfering with the site of the Great Eastern Hotel, redesigning station entrances, and landscaping and benches around the Kindertransport statue.
The plans also involve making the station fully accessible with new lifts and escalators, increasing the size of the concourse, adding new ticket barriers, and increasing the number of toilets.
Previous architects Herzog & de Meuron have been replaced with ACME, and the original development partner Sellar (which was also behind the Shard) has been dropped, according to the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Network Rail said that out of 2,000 comments received from the public about the plans, three quarters of them were positive.
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.’
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