Liverpool Street revamp recommended for approval

Plans to redevelop London's Liverpool Street station have been recommended for approval despite significant opposition.

Network Rail's proposals include building a 19-storey office block above the Grade II-listed station and to partially demolish the existing station. It says the transformation will "improve accessibility, capacity and the everyday experience for those who rely on Liverpool Street".

More than 2,000 people have opposed the scheme, including actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones, while 1,100 letters have been written in favour.

City of London Corporation councillors will discuss the plans on 10 February after planning officers recommended them for approval.

Network Rail revised its original plans following opposition, reducing the size of the proposed tower block, realigning the building to avoid interfering with the site of the Great Eastern Hotel, redesigning station entrances, and landscaping and benches around the Kindertransport statue.

Under the proposals, the Bishopsgate and Hope Square entrances would be demolished, as would part of the modern 1990s era station roof which sits above the main concourse area.

Fully accessible routes would be created and the plans would improve capacity at the station, which was named as the UK's busiest last year.

Ellie Burrows, managing director for Network Rail eastern region, said the transformation would be "for passengers, and for the City of London to support its growth ambitions".

However, concerns have been raised by members of the public and interest groups.

Rhys Jones, president of The Victorian Society, said: "Network Rail have claimed they cannot improve Liverpool Street station without building a 20-storey building directly on top of it.

"If that's the case, it's a very sad day for Britain. It's a very sad day for the City of London."

Nearby St Paul's Cathedral has also objected, saying it remained "deeply concerned regarding the potential for harm that would arise from the scheme, both in the short and the long term".

Historic England, while providing comments, has not formally opposed the scheme.

In the papers due to go to City of London's planning applications sub-committee next week, planning officers acknowledge the proposal would "entail the loss of significant historic fabric, causing harm to the station's significance".

However they conclude due to the improvements to accessibility, capacity and the wider environment around the station, the plans should be approved.

"Ultimately, the proposal would significantly upgrade Liverpool Street station and deliver density in a suitable and sustainable location; as such, it would advance the strategic and business objectives of the City, uniquely so in view of the transformational transport benefits flowing from the proposal," they wrote.

"Whilst there would be numerous impacts, these have been clearly and convincingly justified, and would be of a lesser order of magnitude compared to the benefits."

If approved, the plans will go to the London mayor and Communities Secretary Steve Reed before they can be officially rubber stamped.

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