UK’s busiest train station faces ‘decade of chaos’ ahead of multi-million pound upgrades
LONDON Liverpool Street station is set to undergo a huge transformation – but it will result in years of ‘chaos’ for commuters.
The proposed plans are set to redevelop the busiest train station in the UK and could cost as much as £1.2billion.
Network Rail has proposed a project to expand the country’s busiest train station that will completely change it and the surrounding area.
The proposals include improved accessibility and the building of a 19-storey office block over the station concourse.
According to The Standard, these plans have had around 2,500 objections but more than 1,100 supporting comments.
Campaigners believe that the works will result in almost a decade of chaos for commuters and tourists alike.
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One architect who has opposed the plans said during a recent campaign meeting that the disruption could last for 10 years.
As part of the planning process, Network Rail has revealed the extent of disruption that commuters would face despite the station remaining open during the works.
There would be an impact on some London Overground routes on Greater Anglia services including those from Chingford, Cheshunt and Enfield Town.
Documents reveal that platforms 1 and 2 which are used by London Overground trains would be closed for up to two years.
Proposals also suggest that later on, the area between platforms 9 and 10 would be needed for the building of a new upper concourse.
But Network Rail says these platforms as well as platforms 16 and 17 would remain open throughout the work.
Services could possibly face ‘thinning’ which is likely to result in overcrowding – particularly at rush hour.
The Stansted Express could possibly face disruption too.
Part of why Liverpool Street is so busy is due to the addition of the Elizabeth Line which was added in 2022.
However this would be unaffected by the construction to the main station.
If the proposals go ahead, work would start at the beginning of 2029 and last seven years, with the new station completed by mid-2036.
Network Rail’s scheme is set to be considered by the City of London Corporation’s planning committee on February 10, 2026.
Network Rail recently revealed a new fly-over video to show their proposed plans which has a large concourse area set to ease congestion during busy times.
It includes increased step-free access across rail and underground platforms, eight new lifts and more escalators which will increase from four to ten.
To reduce queues, additional ticket barriers would be added along with more toilet and family facilities on all levels.
On the upper concourse will be more cafes and food outlets and outside will be more green spaces.
Renders also show what the new office building that’s set to be built above the station concourse near the Grade II* listed Andaz Hotel will look like – with rooftop gardens.
Talking about the potential disruption, a spokesperson for Network Rail said to The Standard: “The scheme has been carefully designed and phased to ensure that the station remains open and operational during the works.
“There will be changes to entrances and routes and the only platform closure can be accommodated across the remaining platforms for that short period.
“We are engaging with our transport partners and ensuring customers can continue to use Liverpool Street with as little disruption as possible during the works is as important as the transformation for the future.”
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