Plans to completely revamp one of London’s busiest stations have just been revealed by Network Rail and Lambeth Council. The new-and-improved Waterloo station is set to have new entrances, wider concourses, and whole load of new shops and restaurants.
The hefty, 210-page masterplan proposes eleven new or upgraded entrances in total, as well as 40% more space on the platforms, and over 5000 new cycle parking spaces. There are also plans to pedestrianise the (currently chaotic) street outside the station’s main entrance and build a ‘Victory Arch Plaza‘. This could lead to the relocation of some bus and taxi stops, facilitating far easier interchanges between transport.
Waterloo station is built above a series of brick arches, many of which are currently unused. The plans will see the unused arches transformed into public spaces, shops and restaurants – with escalators leading directly up to the platforms.
The wider Waterloo and South Bank area sees an estimated 30 million visitors a year. The proposed plans will improve and enhance the links between the station and its surrounding area, which is home to the likes of the National Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall.
Until recently losing its crown to Liverpool Street, Waterloo was the busiest station in the UK for 16 years, seeing a whopping 57.8 million passengers last year. This gargantuan glow-up will hopefully make the station a much nicer place to visit – and maybe even put a smile on some commuters faces. A girl can dream, hey?
Network Rail chair, Lord Hendy, said: “London Waterloo is iconic, and one of the busiest stations in the country, and it is imperative this station continues to evolve to ensure it is a world class transport hub and meets the needs of the millions of passengers that use the station each year, today and into the future.”
Waterlooooo, we promise to love you forever more.
Find out more about the proposed masterplan here.
