Transport for London (TfL) has signed off contracts for the long-awaited redevelopment of South Kensington Tube station, with work expected to cost over £120 million. The project will tackle overcrowding and a lack of disabled access at the station.
Step-free access and new entrance
Step-free access will be installed for all three Tube lines, the eastbound Circle and District line platform will be reopened, and more space will be created for the 30 million passengers who use the station every year. The redevelopment has two parts: a new entrance in Thurloe Street that will enable lifts to be installed to the platforms, and an around-station development that will see 50 homes, of which 35% are expected to be “affordable”.
The upgrades will start in December after TfL awarded the build contract to Costain. Work is due to be completed in 2031, which is the 150th anniversary of the nearby Natural History Museum.
Officials welcome the milestone
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “I’m delighted that our plans to transform the internationally important South Kensington station are fully progressing.” He added that awarding the contract to Costain means, working with Native Land and Places for London, TfL can deliver step-free access for the first time, provide improved space for businesses, and deliver new homes including on-site affordable housing.
The station is the gateway to attractions such as the Natural History Museum – the UK’s most popular tourist site in 2025 – the Science Museum, the Royal Albert Hall and the V&A. However, TfL estimates that more than 500,000 journeys a year are not made to or from South Kensington station because of its accessibility issues.
Funding and political support
Planning permission for the scheme was signed off in 2023 and had been included in TfL’s business plan but was unfunded. It is being part financed with £15m from Places for London, £12m from Kensington and Chelsea council, and £250,000 from the 1851 Royal Commission.
Kensington and Bayswater MP Joe Powell said: “It is fantastic news that work will be starting this year on a step-free and modern South Kensington Tube Station.” He said he had made it a top priority when elected two years ago, and brought together ministers, TfL, Places for London and local stakeholders to get the project moving.
Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: “We have campaigned for years for a South Kensington station that is better for everyone, and we’ve backed that ambition with a significant financial contribution.” She said full step-free access to every line is essential, and the award of this contract is a major milestone.
