Network Rail Property has officially submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station, aiming to future-proof Britain’s busiest railway terminal for the decades ahead. The ambitious proposals will create a world-class transport hub capable of serving over 200 million passengers per year, while enhancing accessibility, boosting London’s economy, and celebrating the station’s historic character.
A Future-Fit Gateway to the City of London
Currently used by 118 million people annually, London Liverpool Street station is forecast to serve 158 million passengers by 2041. The new proposals are designed to accommodate over 200 million in the future, by improving facilities, enlarging concourses, and upgrading accessibility, while seamlessly connecting the station with the City of London’s broader growth ambitions.
The redevelopment would turn the station into a landmark destination, introducing new retail, leisure and workspace offerings and significantly improving public spaces and pedestrian connectivity.
Public Backing and Accessibility Front and Centre
Following extensive public consultation, nearly 2,000 comments were received, with three in four respondents supporting the redevelopment plans. The top public priority was to make the station fully accessible. Key upgrades include:
- Eight new lifts and ten escalators (up from four) to all platforms and concourse levels
- Step-free access throughout the station and to the Underground
- New toilets on every level, including family-friendly and accessible facilities
- Improved wayfinding, quiet zones, and family rooms
Funding Through Private Investment
The transformation, set to cost hundreds of millions of pounds, will be funded via private sector partnerships, including the development of a landmark office building above the station. The height and footprint of this building have been revised and reduced following stakeholder feedback to better align with local heritage and conservation areas.
Heritage and Architectural Enhancements
Designed by ACME architects, the scheme preserves and celebrates Liverpool Street’s rich Victorian heritage, including the iconic 1875 trainshed and the Grade II listed Andaz Hotel*. Architectural refinements include:
- Redesigned entrances to reflect historic station character
- Roof structures inspired by Victorian design principles
- Landscaping to enhance public engagement with the Kindertransport statue
- Better visibility of the Andaz Hotel’s historic façade
Boosting the Economy and Supporting the City’s Growth
The redevelopment aligns with the City of London’s ambitious growth plans, which seek to:
- Add 1.2 million sqm of new office space
- Create over 250,000 jobs
- Generate £107 billion in economic growth and £32 billion in tax revenue by 2035
- Improve transport for the 17% of the UK’s working-age population who can reach the City in under an hour
A Transport Hub for Generations to Come
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director, Network Rail Property, said:
“We’re proud to lead this transformative scheme — one that places passengers first, delivers future capacity, and celebrates the station’s history. This investment is essential to unlocking long-term growth for London and the wider UK economy.”
Friedrich Ludewig, Founding Director, ACME, added:
“Our proposals retain the essential qualities of the station, bring hidden elements to light, and design new entrances and roof structures inspired by its original architecture. Liverpool Street will become the accessible, iconic gateway that London deserves.”
