Transport for London (TfL) says there are the many benefits to a new Crossrail 2 station in Chelsea will bring to the area.
It concludes the station on King’s Road would be more beneficial than one at Imperial Wharf , according to its recently published ‘Our response to issues raised Autumn 2015 Crossrail 2 Consultation’ report.
The interim response also suggests that the building of the King’s Street station, which is estimated to cost around £1 billion, would not result in the road being closed, and would improve community access to Tube and rail services and connectivity to the Royal Brompton and Royal Marsden hospitals .
Following feedback from the consultation, TfL says it will be able to remove one of the worksites listed in its proposals, preserving shops and residential properties located within 140-142 King’s Road, and reducing disruption on the neighbouring residential properties and construction traffic.
The report mentions the capital’s population increased to 10 million in 2030, from 8.6m now , and states Crossrail 2 station in Chelsea would reduce crowding at Sloane Square and South Kensington, as well as improve access to rail services in an area where it is currently poor compared to similar inner London locations.
There is strong opposition to the proposed station , with celebrities among those calling for the plans to be ditched. A petition also received 10,000 signatures .
However, it has the backing of the Conservative administration in Kensington and Chelsea.
Cllr Tim Coleridge, head of planning policy and transport, said: “I hope that this report eases the concerns that some people had about the local impact a Crossrail station would have on the King’s Road.
“Contrary to what residents have been told in the past few months the road itself will not need to close and TfL has stated that this part of Chelsea is poorly served by public transport.
'A huge investment in the future of Chelsea'
“The pressure an increasing population will bring on Tube and bus services means that we cannot expect existing infrastructure, even with some technical upgrades, to deliver what we will need in years to come.
“A Crossrail 2 station on the King’s Road will be a huge investment in the future of Chelsea and the quality of life of people who live and work there.”
It also has the backing of the borough’s Labour group. Opposition leader Cllr Robert Atkinson said: “This response will undoubtedly be hugely reassuring for local residents and businesses in Kensington & Chelsea.
'Contrary to local scaremongering'
"It makes clear what supporters of the proposals have been saying for many years, that a new station on the King’s Road will significantly benefit thousands of ordinary people who live, work or visit Chelsea.
“Contrary to local scaremongering, Crossrail 2 has committed to keeping the King’s Road open during construction and has emphasised the real need to increase public transport capacity in Chelsea by 2030. With these issues now addressed, I would hope many more local people now feel able to support the station.”
Emily Candler, executive director at Discover South Kensington , said: “We are pleased that, as demonstrated in this response, TfL clearly shares our view that a new station on the King’s Road will have a hugely beneficial impact for those who work in this area, as well as enhancing transport links for its residents and visitors in an area which is currently poorly served by rail.
“45,000 people work within a kilometre of the proposed site at Kings Road. These people live all over London and the South East. They are teachers, nurses, museum assistants, catering staff – core staff that keep an area going. This investment will open up new commuting routes linking homes to jobs.
“We hope that TfL’s response, which positively addresses many of the concerns expressed during the consultation, will be welcomed by all those who live, work, visit or study here, and all who are keen to see this amazing area of London continue to thrive.”
