Plans are under way to help finance a deal which will lead to the redevelopment of South Kensington Tube station.
Transport for London (TfL) is looking for a joint venture partner to work with to develop the project, which would bring major changes to above and around the station.
Regarded as one of the busiest in the capital, the tube station is use by millions each year to access the world-renowned Natural History, Victoria and Albert and Science Museums , as well as leading education facilities and concert halls.
TfL issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) last month making potential bidders aware that it will be seeking a joint venture partner to develop this site.
Director of commercial development at TfL Graeme Craig said: “South Kensington Tube station is one of the busiest and best known stations in London and is the gateway to key destinations including many of London’s historic museums, the Royal Albert Hall and Imperial College London.
“We are beginning the search for a joint venture partner to help bring forward a commercially-led scheme above and around the station that would reflect the station’s location and heritage while generating vital revenue to reinvest in transport.”
The proposed station upgrade includes:
- A new dedicated platform for eastbound District and Circle line services.
- A reconfigured, updated and larger ticket hall.
- A new staircase between the ticket hall and the new platform.
- A canopy over the new platform designed to complement the historic retaining wall.
- A bridge between the District line platforms to provide an interchange from the Piccadilly line.
- Step-free access from street to train on all platforms.
- A new step-free access entrance on Thurloe Street.
- Step-free access from the ticket hall to the museum subway.
TfL said the main elements of development around the station will include:
- Restoration of the historic shop fronts along Thurloe Street and station arcade.
- Restoration of the bullnose (the curved front of the station) and addition of a first floor to provide commercial space.
- Opening up and making use of currently redundant areas to allow development along Pelham Street.
- Appropriate development along Pelham Street with new homes and commercial space, restoring the active frontages to this side of the street.
- Refurbishment of 20-34 Thurloe Street, including a new station entrance with step-free access to the ticket hall.
"We're investigating opportunities for development around the station that would respect the historic nature of the site, and provide for new homes, retail and offices," TfL said.
"We're preparing initial feasibility studies for what could be put on the site, and hope to submit a planning application in 2017/18.
"The station is a Grade II listed building, so before we start any of the capacity improvement works we must submit a Listed Building Consent application to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea."
It is hoped the development will begin in 2018/19.
In 2022, the plan is for step-free access from the street to the District and Circle line and the ticket hall to the museum subway.
By 2025, there will be step-free access to the Piccadilly line.
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