The 176-year-old train station in the UK with 57million passengers a year to undergo huge renovation
PLANS have been revealed for a huge renovation project at one of the UK’s biggest train stations.
The proposals show off new entrances, increased space on the station’s concourses and brand new shops and restaurants in currently unused spaces.
The plans have been put forward for London Waterloo, which is currently the third busiest station in the UK, with 57million passengers each year.
Network Rail and Lambeth Council have backed the proposed developments, which it’s estimated will take 10-15 years to complete.
The designs, created by architecture firm Grimshaw, aim to transform Waterloo in a similar way to London King’s Cross, with “future-proof” ideas that can “be responsive and adaptable to future growth”.
They claim they want to “remove the barriers” the 176-year-old station presents to pedestrians, while planning to have areas for commercial development to fund the ambitious project.
Further ideas include pedestrianising Cab Road to create a “Victory Arch piazza” which would be created at the station’s main entrance, in addition to a new entrance at Lower Marsh.
The plans include 11 new or enhanced entrances overall to improve the flow of people in and out of the station.
There would also be 40 per cent more space on the platform concourse for passengers.
Bus routes will be re-routed to a new bus station that would be built on the station’s south side, with office blocks up 16 storeys high also a possibility for the same area.
Even larger 28-storey buildings could be erected on the station’s north side, although Network Rail boss Lord Hendy has promised not to make changes to its historic roof.
There are also no plans to increase the number of platforms with the 24 in the station currently thought to be sufficient.
He told the Standard: “As these things go, [the masterplan] is one of the best things I have ever seen.
“There’s huge detail and the active participation of the local authority, local community and local landowners. It’s something that we at Network Rail can build on to make the station better for the future.
“The train shed at Waterloo is iconic. I can’t envisage any circumstances where we build on top of that.”
How much the project will cost is unclear so far, with the published plans seen as the first big step towards its completion.
However, it is hoped that the plans to invite developers to build around the station will minimise the amount of public funding needed.
It’s not the only large scale transport development in the works either, with airport plans aiming to change the future of air travel.
Three scenic train journeys you can take in the UK
The UK is full of great train journeys, including some with scenic views.
- The West Highland Line in Scotland has previously been dubbed the best rail journey in the world, thanks to its breathtaking views overlooking mountain landscapes, serene lochs and wistful moors. Tickets start from £19.50.
- The East Coast Main Line from Durham to Edinburgh is another popular railway route. Passengers on this train will be treated to views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, and the King Edward VII Railway Bridge. Tickets start from £24.50.
- The train from St Erth to St Ives only has one stop on its route, which is complete with sea views. Tickets start from £3.
Dubai
Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, first started welcoming passenger flights just over ten years ago.
Now there are plans to turn it into the biggest airport in the world.
Proposals to turn it into a futuristic “mega-hub” featuring a massive 3D model featuring six runways and three terminals was recently displayed at the Dubai Air Show.
When the expansion is finished, it is hoped that the airport will be able to handle 160million passengers per year, as well as 12million tonnes of freight.
Saudi Arabia
King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will have a six runways and 120million passengers through its terminals each year when it opens in 2030.
The huge new travel hub in the Saudi capital will be spread across over 57 square kilometres, making it the biggest in the world.
Poland
Poland is set to open a new mega travel hub called Warsaw Solidarity Airport.
It is expected to rival the likes of Heathrow and Dubai due to its proposed long-haul flight schedules.
The new airport aims to enable passengers from Central and Eastern European countries to fly almost anywhere in the world – without having to travel to hubs in Western Europe first.
Meanwhile, this UK train station is set to open a huge rooftop pool and garden.
And this is the largest train station in the world.