A £1.2 billion upgrade of South Kensington Tube station will start this year, Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed after awarding a contract to infrastructure company Costain.
The Victorian station, which opened on Christmas Eve in 1868, is the second oldest in London and serves the District, Circle, Metropolitan, and Piccadilly lines. It is used by tens of millions of passengers each year due to its connections to the V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, specialist hospitals, and Imperial College London.
What is changing at the station?
According to TfL, the redevelopment will focus on improving accessibility and tackling overcrowding. The plans include a step-free access revamp throughout the station, covering platforms, the ticket hall, and the subway tunnels.
The currently disused platform 1 will be reopened to serve the District and Circle lines. Heritage features across all platforms will also be restored, along with low-maintenance planting within revetment arches, new TfL roundels, fewer advertisement panels, and new lighting and speakers.
New homes and commercial space
Outside the station, 50 new homes will be built nearby, with provision for some affordable housing on Pelham Street. A new four-storey building called 'The Bullnose' will be erected at the front of the station, with cafes, restaurants, and offices, although no retail units have been confirmed yet.
Timeline and comments
Costain, working alongside Native Land and Places for London, will begin work this year. The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2031, which also marks the 150th anniversary of the Natural History Museum.
Alistair Geddes, Rail Sector Director for Costain, said: 'Since being selected to Transport for London's Infrastructure Improvement Framework, we've worked hard to support early-stage planning and mobilisation for the planned major infrastructure upgrades across the capital, bringing our engineering-led solutions to the table to ensure predictable delivery.'
He added: 'In close collaboration with TfL and our supply partners, we're ready to deliver upgrades to the internationally important South Kensington station that will improve London's transport network and enhance the passenger experience for decades to come.'
Transport for London Commissioner Andy Lord said: 'I'm delighted that our plans to transform the internationally important South Kensington station are fully progressing.'
He added: 'Awarding that contract to Costain means that, working closely with Native Land and Places for London – our wholly-owned property company – we can deliver step-free access here for the first time, as well as provide improved space for businesses.'
