The London Borough of Islington has given planning approval for the over-site development above the western entrance of Farringdon's Crossrail station by Crossrail and development partner Cardinal Lysander.

The 207,000 sq ft development, located at the corner of Cowcross Street and Farringdon Road, will comprise six storeys of office space, with retail units at street level and has been designed to integrate with Crossrail's operating station and improve local views of St Paul's Cathedral.

Ian Lindsay, Crossrail Land and Property Director said: "By 2018 Farringdon will be one of Britain's busiest rail stations, connecting Crossrail, Thameslink and London Underground services. The developments will accelerate the area's regeneration, helping Farringdon re-emerge as a destination in its own right."

Farringdon is a major part of the Crossrail route and will be a key link in transporting passengers directly from within Greater London and beyond to the business hubs in the City and Canary Wharf. When complete, over 140 trains per hour will flow through the Farringdon interchange.

Farringdon Crossrail station will comprise two platform tunnels, each the length of two football pitches, linking two new ticket halls, and will be fully accessible from street to train.

The western ticket, hall shared with Thameslink services, will have an entrance on Cowcross Street, directly opposite Farringdon Tube station. The eastern ticket hall will have entrances at the Long Lane end of the station, on Lindsey Street and Hayne Street.  It will also link directly with the existing London Underground platforms at Barbican station.

The over-site developments are scheduled to commence during the latter stages of work to construct Farringdon Crossrail station with Crossrail commence services in 2018.