Developer Sellar has revealed plans for a £1.5bn transformation of London’s Liverpool Street station to create a new ‘world-class transport interchange and destination’.
The company has already redeveloped the London Bridge Quarter and Paddington Square in the capital. It has joined rail transport services firm MTR and Network Rail to bring forward plans to regenerate Liverpool Street.
Hotel company Hyatt, which owns the Andaz London Liverpool Street opposite the station, and Transport for London are also involved. Architect Herzog & de Meuron is working up designs.
Infrastructure improvements
London Liverpool Street opened in 1875 and underwent an upgrade in the late 1980s. Sellar and Network Rail are proposing a £450m programme of infrastructure works funded through a private sector partnership to improve station capacity and accessibility.
Among the station improvements Sellar proposes are an increase in the number of lifts from one to seven, and six more escalators bringing the total to 10. It will also improve the London Underground concourse and entrance.
The plans also involve a new commercial development above the concourse. This comprises up to 10 floors of workspace below a newly built Andaz hotel. Sellar said it would restore the historic elements and facade of the Grade-II-listed Andaz hotel, which opened as the Great Eastern hotel in 1884. The building be will be adapted to connect to the concourse.
Existing memorials to the Great War and the ‘Kindertransport – The Arrival’ statue will also be restored.
Opposition
But heritage groups have expressed their opposition to the plans. Historic England said it was “deeply concerned” about the proposals and that it would make a “very strong objection” if the scheme were taken forward to a planning application.
It said: “The proposed redevelopment of the station would have a severe impact on the Bishopsgate Conservation Area, and more widely on the extraordinary historic character of the City of London. The scheme would trample on the listed station and hotel rather than showcase their heritage.
“The 16-storey tower and bulk of development proposed above the station is so large that it is likely to encroach on views of some of London’s great landmarks, including those of St Paul’s Cathedral protected under the London Views Management Framework.”
The Victorian Society said it was “surprised” by the plans.
‘Zero cost’ to tax- or fare-payer
James Sellar, chief executive at Sellar, said: “While working patterns have shifted post-covid, passenger numbers are rebounding quickly and it is vital we continue to invest in London’s transport infrastructure to ensure it is fit for the future. Poor commutes are a barrier to London’s growth and it is extremely rare to have the opportunity to positively improve millions of passenger journeys every year.
“Our vision to significantly upgrade Liverpool Street station will alleviate its chronic overcapacity issues and future-proof it for generations at zero cost to the tax- or fare-payer.
“With additional wellness-focused workspaces, retail and leisure, as well as enhanced public realm – all reflecting the changes to people’s lifestyles which have accelerated as a result of covid – Liverpool Street will be transformed into a destination in its own right. London is at a pivotal moment post-Brexit and post-pandemic and we need to show a willingness to commit to infrastructure improvements.
“We believe that the proposed station upgrade will also help ensure that the City remains competitive and maintains its position as one of the world’s most innovative, inclusive and sustainable business ecosystems and as a highly attractive place to invest, work, live, learn and visit.”
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Personally, I think this money could be better spent elsewhere (use this Station and it’s facilities quite often, and looks okay and works as it is.
Does the existing Liverpool Street Station need a refresh? perhaps
Does it need a £1.5 billion pound re-development (which from the information and Proposals shown, looks to not really benefit those who use it), more just so that Hyatt, and other Investors can make some money at the expense of disregard for this Historic Building and its’ context??? (Classic pretentious and arrogant Architecture). I would say NO! (especially as we’re entering a time of great economic certainty on so many fronts).