Crossrail has submitted proposals for major improvements at West Drayton station to Hillingdon Council for approval.
A new glass and steel extension will provide an additional entrance as well as a covered walkway between the existing building and a new footbridge. Three new lifts will provide step free access to every platform.
Crossrail say the designs seek to ensure that the existing Victorian building remains the focal point of the station. The glazed station extension has been designed by Bennetts Associates and the station and platform improvements will be delivered by Network Rail.
Additional upgrades include a new entrance canopy stretching across the existing building and the extension, platform extensions to accomodate the longer Crossrail trains, new lighting in the station and on the platforms, and improved information screens and signage.
Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director said: “Crossrail will provide a step change in public transport for people in West Drayton. The improvements will ensure that the station is able to deal with more passengers and, for the first time, provide step free access to every platform. The new section of the station has been carefully designed so as not to detract from the existing, Victorian building.”
Julian Lipscombe, Director of Bennetts Associates said: “One of the delights of our commission for Crossrail is the sheer diversity of station contexts and remits that we are addressing. Our design for West Drayton extends a handsome Victorian station building with a crisp contemporary addition that fully exploits views over the adjacent Grand Union Canal. In combination, these will reinforce the distinctive sense of place and create an uplifting passenger experience.”
From December 2017, the station will be run by Transport for London as part of London’s integrated transport network. In addition to the station improvements, Crossrail has been working with Hillingdon Council on proposals for improvements to the area around the station.
When Transport for London-run Crossrail fully opens in 2019, up to six services an hour will serve West Drayton station, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains. The journey to Bond Street will take 23 minutes and passengers will be able to get to Canary Wharf in 37 minutes.
The new 200m long trains will be able to carry up to 1,500 people during the rush hour and will be quicker, greener and more reliable than many of the existing trains on the network.
