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Wednesday 15 Mar 2017

New subway to be installed at Hackney Wick station at Easter as part of improvement plans

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

A key milestone in the improvement plans for Hackney Wick station will be reached this Easter, with the installation of a new subway that will improve access to the station for passengers when the project is complete early next year.

The 2,000 tonne concrete structure has already been built on land to the north side of the station, ready for its installation over Easter, to reduce the impact on passengers. Between 14 – 17 April, the track and platforms will be removed and the subway will be driven into place on rollers. The track and platforms will then be replaced over the new subway.

The London Overground line will be closed between Camden Road and Stratford while the work takes place and passengers are advised to check how their journey will be affected before they travel.

The subway is part of a £25 million scheme to transform the station and deliver major improvements for Londoners and businesses in the surrounding area. The subway will provide ground level north to south access beneath the existing railway line, and replace the footbridge which was taken out in early February. Network Rail is delivering the project as part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, on behalf of London Legacy Development Corporation, which is funding the scheme.

Once installed, further work will take place to install an illuminated glass wall through the subway to separate paying customers using the station and those who want to use it to walk through. The design of the subway draws on the area’s industrial heritage and waterways and the wall has been designed to look like light reflecting of water.

A new entrance and ticket hall is also being built at ground floor level and new stairs and two new lifts will significantly improve access to the revamped station for local people and commuters when work is completed in early 2018.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “The installation of this subway will mark an important milestone in this project to improve the facilities and access at this busy London station. When complete next year, the new station will offer improved facilities and support the regeneration of the area as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

David Goldstone, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “Improving connections in Hackney Wick is vital to support the regeneration of the area and is a key feature of the Hackney Wick masterplan. The new subway will help to open up the area for local people and support the businesses that are moving here. The much needed improvements to the station come just as new homes start to be built in Hackney and Tower Hamlets and more jobs are created at Here East and in the surrounding area.”

Tower Hamlets Council and Hackney Council have both contributed £1m towards the refurbishment of the station which is expected to generate opportunities including new jobs, investment and affordable housing.

Notes to Editors

As with any major works, there may be disruption to rail services throughout 2017. Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more details

Network Rail and London Legacy Development Corporation have worked together to develop and deliver the project which has been supported by the Greater London Authority, London Borough of Hackney and London Borough of Tower Hamlets and S106 contributions. London Legacy Development Corporation has worked closely with Network Rail to deliver the project that will see Volker Fitzpatrick Ltd as Network Rail’s principal contractor. Architects Landolt Brown designed the station entrance and ticket hall, supported by Mott Macdonald engineering.

The London Legacy Development Corporation has supported a range of projects, both temporary and permanent in Hackney Wick, including Hub 67 and the White Building, which includes studio space for artists and event spaces for community use.