A Crossrail 2 station is needed in Chelsea to help cope with the demand of extra passengers in years to come.
Supporters of the proposal to build the new station in King’s Road say figures released by Transport for London (TfL) show there will be 48 million additional Tube passengers for Chelsea by 2030, the earliest year the rail line could be delivered.
They argue if 2007–2014 trends were to continue, passenger numbers at Sloane Square station would increase by 55% between now and 2030, growing 10m to 26m each year.
Over the same period, passenger usage at South Kensington Tube station would rise 88% from 36.5m to 66.4m - more than the current UK population.
There is huge opposition to the building of £1.2 billion Crossrail Station at King’s Road, at the junction of Sydney Street , with the No Crossrail in Chelsea group handing in a petition signed by 10,000 people to London Mayor Boris Johnson on February 11.
But the pro Chelsea4Crossrail2 group claims there is growing support for the station. Around 50 major employers and cultural, educational and medical institutions in Kensington and Chelsea have written to Mr Johnson in support of the plans.
Among these groups are The Natural History, Victoria & Albert and Science Museums, The Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital , and the Saatchi Gallery.
Together the groups, which collectively employ over 20,000 people and attract around 30m visitors each year, believe that a new Crossrail 2 station will safeguard the area as a world-leading cultural, educational and medical hub.
'Thriving area needs infrastructure'
Science Museum director Ian Blatchford: “As the home of human ingenuity, the Science Museum’s world-class collections form an enduring record of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. Our three million visitors need effective and accessible public transport.
“The proposed Crossrail 2 station at Kings Road, within 15 minutes’ walk of the museum, would provide much needed extra capacity and make it easier for visitors and staff to get to South Kensington. For this area to continue to thrive, we need infrastructure that will keep up with London’s growth.”
Martin Flash is chairman of the Chelsea4Crossrail2 campaign and said: “As somebody who lives in Chelsea, it is clear to me that to thrive, this wonderful and diverse neighbourhood must serve the needs of those who work in or visit its schools, hospitals, galleries, museums, shops and businesses, as well of course as the people who live here.
"There are many, both residents and non-residents, who will benefit hugely from tackling the poor rail provision for future generations.”
TfL plans to build the station in Chelsea is also supported by Kensington and Chelsea Council .
