Sellar and Network Rail have submitted a joint planning application to the City of London Corporation for proposed vital upgrades to transform Liverpool Street station.
The £1.5 billion vision for Liverpool Street station will create a world-class transport hub and landmark seven-days-a-week destination, with new retail and leisure facilities for visitors, passengers and the local community.
Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, said: “Our plans for Liverpool Street will create a new transportation hub. This comprehensive plan will ensure the redevelopment is accessible to all, forward-looking and meet the City of London’s needs. Liverpool Street station will stand as one of the great stations, fit for the 21st century.
“The current experience designed in the 1980s falls very short and needs to change. Our vision will guarantee that sustainable travel and an exceptional experience becomes the reality for future generations. We will move from an inaccessible and overcrowded station to one centred on people, ensuring an open, accessible destination for everyone.”
The creation of a new landmark office and hotel enable a comprehensive redevelopment to deliver £450m of vital station upgrades and customer requirements, resulting in a greatly improved passenger experience and allows the station to remain open and operational throughout all phases of the project construction.
The net zero design creates over 800,000 sq ft of offices and around 160,000 sq ft of hotel space using the airspace above the 1990s elements of the station and 40 Liverpool Street.
The Victorian trainsheds will be restored and will not be touched or built over as part of this project and the newly proposed station concourse will open up new views of them throughout the station. Local and street level views will be retained by visually setting back the commercial building comfortably from the historic façades of the Grade II* listed 40 Liverpool Street.
James Sellar, Chief Executive at Sellar, said: “The upgrades to Liverpool Street station are essential in helping London maintain its status as a world-class city and encourage people back to the capital by significantly improving the experience for the station’s millions of users and commuters. The plans will create one of the most sustainable destinations in the Square Mile, including a rooftop garden and City Lido, both accessible to the public. The office, hotel and leisure components above the station will be designed with the highest environmental and wellness credentials and will enable the £450m of vital station upgrades at no cost to passengers or the taxpayer.
“Our entire approach prioritises protecting and enhancing the historic elements of both the Great Eastern Hotel and of the station itself. The original Victorian railway sheds at Liverpool Street station will not be touched but will be celebrated by opening up new views to and through them.”
The proposals include the creation of over 1.5 acres of public realm in and around the main station building and Hope Square as well as the pedestrianisation of Liverpool Street.
The highlight is a new public rooftop garden with natural planting, which has been designed to offer the local community new amenities and sports facilities including a four lane, 25 metre Lido heated by surplus heat from the offices which will allow swimmers to enjoy open air swimming all year round and a padel court will become the first in the City of London. Both will be available to the public, including local schools; and a rooftop café, with outstanding views over the City and to St. Paul’s, will also be open to visitors.
A new six-storey hotel will include a venue that can host conferences, talks, lectures, and live music. The hotel will continue to be part of the Hyatt’s Andaz brand.
A decision by the City of London Corporation is expected in 2024.
