STAIRWAY TO SERVICE AT HACKNEY DOWNS

As we look back on some of the fantastic transformation projects the infrastructure projects & facilities management (IPFM) team have completed throughout the summer, our fifth stop is Hackney Downs.

We spoke to Hackney Downs's service delivery manager, Katarzyna Stec, who explained how the stairs were improved.

"Since taking over at the station in 2020, I noticed a need for significant improvements due to the deterioration of conditions each year. Eventually, visible gaps along the step edges appeared due to rust, and that became a cause for concern. Given the staircase's pivotal role in facilitating the interchange with Hackney Central stations and its extensive use by passengers, we received several complaints, prompting our dedicated staff to address the gaps as we implemented temporary mitigation measures."

Work commenced in September to address the longstanding concerns after a collaborative effort involving frontline colleagues and management.

Katarzyna was keen to highlight the collaborative effort of Peter Cumlin infrastructure project manager, she said: "Peter’s unwavering support and effective communication ensured the seamless progress of the project; he played a pivotal role in its execution."

Colleagues were actively involved from the start to the end of the project, providing input on safety measures to minimise the impact on passengers (given the limited access to the stairs, which were operational only on one side) and offering feedback as the works reached completion. Stairs were replaced by a contractor called 3-Ways, who used a specialist design installation company called Hammonds.

The result of the project has been met with unanimous satisfaction. The staircase now boasts a significantly improved aesthetic, appearing more spacious, cleaner, and, most importantly, safer. Passengers have readily noticed the positive transformation.