Wandsworth Town Station is undergoing significant upgrades to enhance accessibility and ease overcrowding. Local council officials recently approved plans to add step-free access and reopen a previously unused northern entrance.
Improvements to Wandsworth Town Station
The station, situated on railway arches, has four platforms accessed primarily through a south-side entrance. This southern entrance was initially a secondary access point, while the main entrance featured a larger red-brick Dutch-style building on the north side, which closed in the 1980s.
Project Overview
- Step-Free Access: The upgrade will include three lifts providing step-free access to all platforms.
- New Entrance: The northern entrance, which has been disused for decades, will be reinstated.
- Cost: The total project is estimated to cost around £20 million.
- Funding: Wandsworth Council will cover the expenses using developer funds, providing approximately £7 million of the total cost.
Project Timeline and Funding
The council has already secured £1.5 million out of the projected £4.5 million cost, with an additional £3.2 million expected soon. The Department for Transport (DfT) has committed funding for step-free access as part of its Access for All scheme, with the council also contributing £2.65 million towards this initiative.
Community Impact
The improvements come at a crucial time, as new housing developments in the vicinity are anticipated to increase station usage. The council aims to alleviate potential overcrowding by offering an expanded entrance and improved access for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
Construction on the upgrades is slated to begin next year, following the submission of final designs. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of these enhancements for the growing local community. Rail Minister Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its role in promoting accessibility.
Wandsworth Town Station’s upcoming revamp represents a vital step towards making public transport more accessible and accommodating for all users.
