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Monday 4 Aug 2003

PADDINGTON STATION GETS A BOOST AS WESTMINSTER COUNCIL RECOMMENDS APPROVING PLANS TO INCREASE CAPACITY AND IMPROVE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES

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Plans for second phase of the redevelopment of Paddington Station were given a boost as Westminster Council gave the green light, subject to approval of the listed building consent by English Heritage. Network Rail can now move forward to create a station that meets future passenger demand, provides better access and improves the interchange with other forms of transport. The plans build on the successful modernisation of the concourse area, completed in 1998, and will deliver considerable benefits to both passengers and the local community.  Key elements of the plans are: ·        Realignment of platforms 9-14 and the creation of an additional 15th platform. All platforms will end at a common barrier line ·        A larger main concourse and the creation of a new canal side concourse to provide additional passenger facilities and improve circulation routes within the station ·        New access to and from the station for taxis and cars that will direct traffic onto the A40 and away from local residential areas ·        Improved interchange with all modes of public transport including trains, taxis, buses and London Underground ·        Links to other development sites in the Paddington Basin, by opening up the northeast side of the station - more - Paddington- 2 In addition, the plans will also provide a commercial office and retail complex over the station. The original plans, submitted in June 2000 and designed by Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners, were revised to take into consideration views from Westminster Council, English Heritage and other public bodies. The new proposals now ensures future operational capacity, improved public access, a better public environment around the station as well as improving the relationship of the new development to the Brunel station and surrounding buildings. Deborah Richards, Director, Railway Estates said: “This is a significant milestone in our plans to improve Paddington Station and provide safe and efficient railway infrastructure for the benefit of passengers. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead and once English Heritage have made their decision, the next stages will be planning how the scheme will be implemented and putting the appropriate funding mechanisms in place.”