Passengers are set to benefit from improved accessibility and a better experience at Peckham Rye with Network Rail receiving formal Planning Consent for its proposals for a complete transformation bringing the historic, listed Victorian station building into the 21st century.
Network Rail’s proposals will create a whole new station concourse at ground level with new lifts and stair access to all platforms, accessible toilets, wider platforms and additional gate lines and entrance from Dovedale Court, dramatically improving the passenger experience and safety particularly for people with luggage, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
In the new year, Network Rail will submit an Outline Business Case based on the planning consent partnered with a £40m funding request for the next Detailed Design stage which is hoped to be completed by summer 2025.
Following that, Network Rail will continue working with Department for Transport (DfT) to produce a Final Business Case and to request funding for the Delivery (construction) of the works which is hoped to start in autumn 2025 for around two years.
Once complete, the proposed upgrades will dramatically improve the passenger experience, help improve safety and train performance, provide scope for any potential future expansion, and provide passengers with a station that is fit for the future. It will also complement Southwark Council’s £27m investment to create a brand-new civic square between the station and Rye Lane, which will provide passengers with an additional route to access the station, unlocking views of the historic listed station building and better linking it to Rye Lane with a high-quality public realm and surrounded by new business space within restored arches.
These latest proposals follow work completed earlier this year by Network Rail to restore the Grade II listed Victorian station which saw the external brickwork cleaned, the station building roof renovated as well as more space created for passengers by the opening up of the disused waiting room.
Andrew Wood, Network Rail’s senior commercial scheme sponsor, said: “I’m delighted we have received formal Planning Consent which will ultimately allow us to build the proposed scheme to continue improving Peckham Rye station.
“Peckham Rye is the busiest interchange in the UK that isn’t fully accessible. Our proposals will rectify this and provide passengers with a welcoming and fully accessible station that is fit for purpose while retaining the heritage features of this fantastic Grade II listed station.
“We are working closely with our partners – Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Southwark Council in particular – to ensure our proposals support their ambitions and any future development plans within and outside the station.”
Keith Jipps, Govia Thameslink Railway’s infrastructure director, commented: “We’re working constantly to remove barriers to make our services more accessible for everyone, so we’re delighted that Peckham Rye’s major improvement scheme has secured outline permission. We’ll now help Network Rail and Southwark Council develop the best detailed design for our customers and the local community.”
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for new homes & sustainable development, said: “The station transformation is essential for Peckham town centre, and we are delighted that it’s moving forward. It will provide modern facilities for residents and visitors alike and importantly access for all. Once funded, this will complement the council’s own project to create a new vibrant station square and open up the beautiful Grade II listed building. The first phase of that work is now complete on Blenheim Grove and we expect the second phase to commence towards the end of next year.”
More information about the project can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/peckhamrye
Image credit: Network Rail
