THAT'S HOW TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE
Comings and goings look very different at two of our stations, thanks to a series of improvements
HACKNEY CENTRAL
Colleagues at Hackney Central are loving the space, access and greenery that their new station entrance is providing.
Opened in July following a revamp led by ARL and TfL in partnership with the local authority, the new entrance will facilitate interchange between Hackney Downs and Hackney Central Overground stations as well as giving a more direct route to some local bus services and to the centre of Hackney.
Inside the station, a new stairway provides improved access to the footbridge connecting platforms, and helps to reduce congestion and ease passenger flow in and around the platforms.
Warm welcome: Hackney Central colleagues at the new entrance
Warm welcome: Hackney Central colleagues at the new entrance
The entrance itself features a new covered gateline, two new ticket machines and additional cycle storage. It also features a 'living roof' and a multitude of planters, and other environmental improvements to make the station more attractive and sustainable – as well as providing an extra splash of green in one of London’s most densely populated areas.
“The enthusiasm of colleagues made the construction of this new entrance all the more fulfilling. The happy faces of local people who saw it opened for the first time gave us a huge feeling of satisfaction.”
Hackney Central colleagues said…
“This is a very busy station where there is a constant interface with customers. The new entrance has eased congestion tremendously.”
“Improved station lighting has made things much better for our customers and colleagues - it feels brighter and more secure than before.”
“The new entrance is more community friendly. The colourful self-irrigated flowers are a beauty to behold!”
“The new stairs to platform 2 mean there’s a better flow of passengers in the busy peak hours.”
IMPERIAL WHARF
At Imperial Wharf in Chelsea, a new station entrance is also making journeys easier for passengers by reducing congestion.
The solution here was unusual – it involved bringing an abandoned access route back into use with a 95-metre covered walkway and stairs up to the northbound platform.
“Previously there was only one way in and one way out,” said Peter Cumlin, project manager. “During peak times an incredible amount of people were using the main staircase, so we realised we needed to do something.
Peter Cumlin, project manager
Peter Cumlin, project manager
“The area we identified was created as part of the original station design but never developed, and only used as a secondary means of emergency escape. A survey revealed it could be brought up to the required standard with the right work including handrails, slip-proof surfacing, CCTV and lighting. We also put in a retaining wall to stabilise the embankment and a concrete substructure for the walkway.”
There was an unexpected complication when a set of uncharted high-voltage cables was discovered beneath the project area. Although no longer live, work was required to ensure the project could continue safely.
The entrance opened on 11 July, and features a new glass and steel shelter, new gateline, CCTV, help points and a customer information display.
It’s already proved a hit. “We have plenty of signage and colleagues showing customers the new route, so everyone knows where to go,” added Peter.
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