Major improvements to West Drayton station as part of the Crossrail programme have been given the go ahead by Hillingdon Council.
A new glass and steel extension will provide an additional entrance as well as a covered walkway between the existing building and a new footbridge.
Three new lifts will provide step-free access to every platform. The station and platform improvements will be delivered by Network Rail.
The design, by Bennetts Associates, ensures that the existing Victorian station building remains the focal point of the station.
Additional upgrades include:
- A new entrance canopy stretching across the existing building and the extension
- Platform extensions to ensure that the station can accommodate the 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
The span for the new footbridge is planned to be installed over Easter, and work on the station is expected to last around 18 months.
Matthew White, Crossrail surface director, said: “The upgrades at West Drayton will provide local people with a vastly improved station.
“While the existing Victorian building will remain the focal point, the new additions will ensure that the station is ready for the arrival of Crossrail services in 2019.”
Councillor Douglas Mills, cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration at Hillingdon Council, said: “I am pleased that this phase of the project has been approved by the council’s planning committee, and that West Drayton will soon have a 21st-century station with improvements and facilities that I’m sure local residents will appreciate.
“After the years of planning and deliberation it is exciting to hear that work to upgrade the station will shortly commence, and that this brings us one step closer to the start of the Crossrail service in the borough.”
