Transport For London (TFL) has big plans to redevelop in and around South Kensington underground station. Proposing to create 24,438 square feet of residential space and 30,809 square feet of retail space and 12, 853 square feet of offices this is a very exciting project. TFL have chosen property developer Native Land with architectural partners Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners to fulfil the brief.
The surrounding area to be re-developed includes:
- The four storey buildings at 20-34 Thurloe Street – which will be residential on the upper floors and retail on the ground,
- A three- storey development on the western portion of Pelham Street with ground floor shops and residential use above, and a three to four-storey development on the eastern portion of the street with office building on the ground floor
- Refurbishing the retail units in the Bullnose with the potential to add an extra residential storey.
All of this will provide ‘vital revenue ’ to fund upgrades at the station. These upgrades are due to commence this Spring 2018.
South Kensington Tube station is one of London’s best loved stations and with 34 million people using it a year, one of the busiest.
As a Gateway to some of our most iconic cultural treasures; the Natural History, the Science Museum, the V & A , the Albert Hall not to mention Hyde Park and the myriad cafes and restaurants there is always a sense of excitement walking through its portals.
However, over the years, the Grade II listed building opened in 1868, has started to look shabby and run-down.Talks of renovation have been going on since the late 80’s and now, finally an upgrade has been given the go-ahead and works will start this Spring.
- The first phase of the renovation is about improving accessilbility and space –
- The ticket hall will be enlarged and a skylight put in to add natural light.
- The disused platform is to be put back into use to serve eastbound trains; currently there is one central platform that serves both East and Westbound trains.
- A new staircase to be built between the ticket hall and new platform
- To improve the Museum foot tunnel
Longer term plans include:
Replacing the Piccadilly line escalators,
providing step free access to District and Circle line platforms through a new entrance on Thurloe Street in keeping with the governments Access for All programme.
The shopping arcade is to be given a face-lift and returned to its former Victorian glory.
The area around South Kensington station, namely the buildings on Thurloe Street and TFL owned stretch of land on Pelham Street, are to be re-developed to ‘generate vital revenue to re-invest in transport’.
Subject to planning permission the whole project should be complete by 2022.
South Kensington Station will be fit for 21st century.
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