Enabling work to start this autumn
Transport for London has appointed infrastructure contractor Costain to build RSHP’s transformation of South Kensington tube station.
Work to improve step-free access at the grade II-listed station is set to start this autumn with the scheme also including a new eastbound platform for the Circle and District lines and a restoration of the site’s historic features.
Other elements include a controversial four-storey office scheme above the station’s Bullnose building and an adjacent block containing 50 homes.
Around eight weeks of enabling works is expected to complete before the end of this year to transform an unoccupied retail unit at 34 Thurloe Street into a new step-free entrance to the station. The entire project is expected to complete in 2031.
TfL is leading on the station improvement work while its development company Places for London will work in a joint venture with Native Land on the Bullnose building and housing.
The scheme is funded through TfL’s business plan alongside a £12m contribution from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and a separate contribution from the 1851 Commission.
TfL transport commissioner Andy Lord said the project would “radically improve the station for the millions of people who travel through or live in and around South Kensington.”
RBKC leader Elizabeth Campbell said the council had “campaigned for years for a South Kensington station that is better for everyone”.
She added: “South Kensington is one of London’s most important gateways, serving world-leading museums, hospitals, universities and businesses.
“This investment will transform the experience of millions of passengers and make the station accessible for generations to come.”
RSHP’s plans for the station were initially rejected by RBKC in 2021 but the decision was overturned two years later on the grounds that there was “sound reason” for the redevelopment.
But the scheme has faced opposition from multiple heritage groups including Save Britain’s Heritage, which has said the proposals would see the low-rise station area overwhelmed with “anywheresville” office buildings.
RSHP’s plans for South Kensington Station are the sixth separate set of proposals to be worked up for the site since the 1980s, all of which have been confronted by heritage campaigners.
Scott, Brownrigg & Turner, Terry Farrell & Partners, Francis Machin, John McAslan & Partners and Buckley Gray Yeoman were responsible for previous schemes.
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