Ealing Civic Society has welcomed the news Crossrail will review the design of Ealing Broadway station after claiming the original plans were more suited to an ‘industrial estate’.
After much criticism, Crossrail has agreed to bring in an independent panel to review the design of 27 surface stations including, Ealing Broadway, and the borough’s four other stations on the line.
The surprise announcement was made at a meeting of the London Assembly’s transport committee on Thursday last week.
Last month, Ealing Council confirmed it was to bring in its own architects - HOK and John McAslan and partners - to work on exterior designs for Ealing Broadway and Southall stations.
Ealing Civic Society's chairman Robert Gurd said he is hoping for a more aesthetically pleasing façade, creating more of a landmark to enhance the surrounding area.
He said: “This is a welcome change of heart on Crossrail’s part, following universal criticism of their proposed exterior plans for Ealing Broadway station more suited to an industrial estate we look forward to working with them and the council’s appointed architects to come up with plans befitting the Queen of Suburbs.”
Dr Gurd was one of many signatories on a letter sent to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, warning the Crossrail project would be disastrous for Ealing. They included renowned architect Richard Rogers, as well as top journalists and broadcasters.
Ealing Broadway is further along the Crossrail project process than the borough’s four other stations: Acton, West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall.
The council’s planning department has received plans from Crossrail for the latest stage of the Ealing Broadway scheme. It is hoped that agreement on the station’s design can be reached as quickly as possible.
Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing council, said: “This announcement is a definite step in the right direction. I’m pleased that Crossrail has promised to appoint an independent panel to review the designs of the outer London stations. We are pleased that by raising our concerns, Crossrail has had a rethink, this should mean better designs for Ealing Broadway and the other stations along the route.”
At Southall Station, council-employed architects John McAslan and partners will work with Crossrail to improve both the visual appearance of the station and make it as easy as possible for passengers to use.
