Plans for a huge new glass-fronted station at Ilford were submitted today as part of a package of improvements for the start of Crossrail services.
A new ticket hall flooded with natural light and designed by architects Atkins will replace the Cranbrook Road station, which has been criticised as a “ghetto” by some passengers.
There will also be new lifts for step-free access to all platforms from street level, longer platforms, improved lighting, signage, customer information points, CCTV and overhead information screens.
Network Rail’s proposed improvements come after Transport for London opened a new ticket hall in York Road as part of its station upgrades.
The first Crossrail trains on the new Elizabeth line will start passing through Ilford from May next year with up to 12 services an hour into central London by May 2019.
Matthew White, Crossrail surface director, said: “These major improvements will make travelling through Ilford station a vastly better experience for the many thousands of people who use it every day.
"The proposals for the striking façade and new, spacious ticket hall are designed to underline the importance of the station and of the Elizabeth line to the local area.”
Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge council, said: “The arrival of the Elizabeth line will represent a game-changing moment for Ilford. Commuting times will be slashed and the Elizabeth line will rapidly link us to the City, West End and Heathrow airport.”
