Network Rail redesigns Liverpool Street proposals

Plans to redevelop London's Liverpool Street Station are being redrawn by a new project team, Network Rail has said.

Network Rail previously worked with Sellar - the developers of The Shard - on a £1.5bn scheme which proposed the partial demolition of the Victorian station and a new multi-storey tower cantilevered above a neighbouring Grade-II* former hotel.

The change in direction follows thousands of public objections to the proposals, including from Westminster Council and Historic England.

However, the original planning application by Sellar does not yet appear to have been withdrawn and it remains under consideration by the City of London.

On a website for the scheme consultation, called Time For Liverpool Street, Network Rail said its updated plans would ease congestion, reduce queuing and make the station more accessible.

It stated the "overall look and feel has been completely reimagined," adding: "We’ve spent time talking and listening; our latest plans embrace Victorian features including the original train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel."

This would include setting a proposed office building above the concourse further back from the Great Eastern Hotel, and having a stepped roof featuring greenery "to respect protected views to St Paul's," Network Rail continued.

"There will be no works on the hotel apart from minor works to adjust how the train shed roof meets the hotel," it added, with the new building being shorter at 97m (318ft) rather than 108m (354ft).

Additionally the website states the majority of the station's 1980s train shed roof would be retained.

There also would be lifts to all ticket halls and platforms as well as new toilets and signage in the station.

Network Rail said it is working with architects ACME for the plans and Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail Property, added the office building would "generate the money to pay for these improvements".

A public webinar will be held at 10am on 20 November and members of the public have until 4 December to submit their feedback via the website, Network Rail said.

Director of The Victorian Society James Hughes said Network Rail has only just begun consulting the public and the amenity societies, and it will have a view "when we have had time and sufficient material with which to consider it".

A Historic England spokesperson has said it is considering its position 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, said: "The 1990s saw a few stations such as Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross compromised by over-station development.

"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 contacted for a response regarding progress with the previous application. Sellar has also been contacted for comment.

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