A STEP FORWARD:
Crossrail to give station a major facelift
THIS image shows how West Drayton station will look if Crossrail’s newly-submitted plans for improvements and an extension are approved.
The artist’s impression shows a new glass and steel extension that would provide an additional entrance to the building on Station Approach, as well as a new footbridge.
Three new lifts would provide stepfree access to all platforms.
The plans have now been submitted to Hillingdon Council for approval. Additional upgrades will include: A new entrance canopy stretching across the existing building and the extension
Platform extensions to ensure the station can accommodate new, 200m long Crossrail trains;
A new lift to provide step-free access between the subway and the new station extension;
New lighting in the station and on the platforms
Improved customer information screens, station signage, help points and CCTV.
Crossrail surface director Matthew White said: “Crossrail will provide a step change in public transport for people in West Drayton.
“The improvements will ensure that the station is able to deal with more passengers and, for the first time, provide step free access to every platform.
“The new section of the station has been carefully designed so as not to detract from the existing, Victorian building.”
The extension has been designed by Bennetts Associates and the station and platform improvements will be delivered by Network Rail.
Bennetts Associates director Julian Lipscombe said: “One of the delights of our commission for Crossrail is the sheer diversity of station contexts and remits that we are addressing.
“Our design for West Drayton extends a handsome Victorian station building with a crisp contemporary addition that fully exploits views over the adjacent Grand Union Canal. In combination, these will reinforce the distinctive sense of place and create an uplifting passenger experience.”
From December 2017, the station will be run by Transport for London (TfL) as part of London’s integrated transport network.
In addition to the station improvements, Crossrail has been working with Hillingdon Council on proposals for improvements to the area around the station.
When Crossrail opens fully in 2019, up to six services an hour will serve West Drayton station, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains.
The journey to Bond Street will take 23 minutes and passengers will be able to get to Canary Wharf in 37 minutes, according to Crossrail.
The company says the new trains will be able to carry up to 1,500 people during rush hour and will be quicker, greener and more reliable than many of the existing trains on the network.