Network Rail submits revised Liverpool Street plans to accommodate 200 million passengers a year

Plans to redevelop London Liverpool Street to cope with more than 200 million passengers a year have been unveiled by Network Rail (NR).

The station has been the UK’s busiest in 2022-23 and 2023-24, with more than 94 million entries and exits recorded in the most recent period.

NR said its plans will future proof the station for decades to come and turn it into a destination in its own right.

Plans include installing step-free access across the station and to London Underground platforms, increasing the number of escalates from four to ten, enlarging the concourse, new entrances, more ticket barriers and better signage.

Robin Dobson, Group Property Director for Network Rail Property said: “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.”

Last year NR scaled back controversial plans to erect a 21-storey high tower block on top of the station. The original plan attracted thousands of objections due to its scale and impact on views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

A mixed-use tower block is still proposed, but standing 97 metres high instead of 108m, and set back from the Grade 2* listed Andaz Hotel (formerley Great Eastern Hotel) rather than on top of the station’s frontage.