THE UK’s busiest train station is to undergo a major renovation – albeit on a smaller scale than previously planned.
London Liverpool Street’s previous £1.5billion plans included a rooftop swimming pool and garden as well as a 20-storey tower.
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Designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron and Sellar (who designed the Shard), they were met with controversy, and called “oversized and insensitive”.
A new scaled back renovation has now been revealed – without the pool and gardens – to make journeys much easier for passengers.
Instead the main features include new “landmark entrances” on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate and Exchange Square as well as a much larger concourse to reduce congestion.
More waiting lounges, ticket barriers and cycle storage along with seven new lifts and doubling the number of escalators are all part of the plans.
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More cafes, restaurants and shops as well as toiles will be included, as well as a new office building on top.
However, the plan adds: “We’ve spent time talking and listening; our latest plans embrace Victorian features including the original train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel.”
The previous plans including building over the Grade II listed Victorian building.
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail Property, said: “Network Rail Property is leading a new team with a new approach which will respect the station’s unique heritage.
“Simple in design, embracing London’s mix of the old with the new.
“A new office building on top of the station concourse will generate the money to pay for these improvements.”
London Liverpool Street station first opened in 1874, and is now the most used station in the UK with up to 80million passengers a year.
This only includes overground services, with the number reaching 100million with the London Underground.
Train routes include Cambridge, Norwich, Essex and both Stansted and Southend Airport.
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And the Elizabeth Line opened at the train station in 2022.
The train station was last redeveloped in the 1980s, with experts warning it will soon reach capacity.
Passenger numbers are expected to reach 140million by 2020.
The website states: “As Britain’s busiest station, Liverpool Street is long overdue the transformation it deserves.”
It hopes that the works can start next year, with the public able to give their opinions until December 5 this year.
Elsewhere in the UK are some new train stations opening as well.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
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.
Liverpool Baltic Train Station is set to open by 2027 – in a neighbourhood that was named one of the world’s coolest.
And here’s the small cosy train station that was named the UK’s best.
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