Project: ‘Europe’s first climate-positive train station’

In September 2021, the new Denmark Hill Station entrance was officially opened, and major station enhancements were revealed. A job which historically should have taken around five years from initial concept to completion was condensed into 30 months, all against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

Denmark Hill Station is one of the busiest suburban stations in London, with over 7 million passengers each year. Sustained daily usage and significant footfall at peak periods (expected to grow exponentially over the next 20 years), meant the station was in need of upgrading. Prior to the upgrades, congestion was a real issue, with passengers taking up to 10 minutes to leave the station.

Invvu Construction Consultants was commissioned by Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Railway to design a new entrance to the station, upgrade existing facilities and provide support for the build process.

As project manager and principal designer I was key to the daily management of the project, building relationships with all the collaborators and making sure the works were completed on time and within budget.

I was also responsible for pushing forward the research and use of sustainable techniques and technologies crucial to the project and key to the significant recognition the project has received – with the station dubbed “the first climate positive station in Europe”.

This accolade arises from the use of photovoltaic film on the station roof and platform canopies, which generates more power than it consumes, with any excess power returned to the National Grid.

The project also received Highly Commended in both the Sustainable Business and the Infrastructure Achievement of the Year categories at the National Rail Awards, as well as in the Environment and Sustainability category at the Railway Innovation Awards.

This project has been exceptionally rewarding, while offering challenges to the entire team. The collaboration, communication and commitment of the team while delivering during a global pandemic, has highlighted our resilience to adapt, change and discover new ways of working.

To be given the remit to research and develop sustainable technologies within the design was a key aspect that we enjoyed and we feel we have left a legacy for other projects.

Covid was a huge curveball, but it provided us with new and efficient ways of working. Microsoft Teams was a gamechanger, in terms of being able to turn things around quickly. Teams meetings have become a standard part of our daily operations and it’s working well for everyone.