AECOM to study Bakerloo line depot changes for new 1972-era train replacement
Feasibility work at Stonebridge Park, Queen’s Park and Elephant & Castle will shape infrastructure for a future fleet
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Transport for London has hired engineering consultancy AECOM to assess what changes are needed at depots and sidings before new Bakerloo line trains can be introduced. The current fleet, which entered service in 1972, is the oldest in daily use on the UK rail network.
The feasibility study will focus on three locations: Stonebridge Park Depot in Brent, the Queen’s Park area, and the London Road sidings at Elephant & Castle in Southwark. AECOM will produce an initial coordinated design, environmental assessments and railway engineering plans for each site.
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What the study will cover
At Queen’s Park, Transport for London wants to add reversing capability and new stabling tracks. This would require realigning National Rail tracks and demolishing the existing North Shed. The work could affect residents in the streets immediately north of the station, including Albert Road and Salusbury Road.
Stonebridge Park Depot would need a full rebuild of its main building. Transport for London also plans to acquire land to the north-west of the depot for additional stabling tracks. The depot sits between North Circular Road and the Grand Union Canal in the Stonebridge neighbourhood.
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At Elephant & Castle, the London Road sidings would be modified to support the new fleet. The sidings are located south of the station, adjacent to the railway viaduct that carries Thameslink services.
Timeline and next steps
The feasibility study is expected to take several months. Once complete, Transport for London will use the findings to prepare planning applications and detailed engineering designs. No date has been set for the new trains to enter service, and no funding has been confirmed for the wider upgrade programme.
AECOM’s Rail Director for London and the South East, Shadi Shekarrizi, said the appointment marked “a significant milestone” for the programme. He told ianVisits that the company would develop “future-ready solutions for depots and sidings that are essential to enabling new rolling stock and improving long-term performance on the line”.
This is a significant milestone for the programme. We will use our planning, engineering and digital expertise to develop future-ready solutions for depots and sidings that are essential to enabling new rolling stock and improving long-term performance on the line.
Shadi Shekarrizi, AECOM Rail Director for London and the South East
How residents can respond
Transport for London has not announced public consultation dates for the depot changes. Residents who want to be notified when consultation opens can register for updates on the TfL website under the Bakerloo Line Upgrade programme. Formal planning applications will be submitted to Brent Council and Southwark Council once the feasibility study is complete.
AECOM has previous experience on the Bakerloo line. The firm was selected alongside WW+P Architects to design four new stations for the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension into south-east London. It was also appointed as lead designer for the first stage of the Elephant & Castle Station Capacity Upgrade in 2023.
Questions this report answers
+Why does the Bakerloo line need new trains?
The current Bakerloo line trains were introduced in 1972 and are the oldest passenger trains still in daily service on the UK rail network. Transport for London says new trains are needed to improve reliability and performance for passengers.
+Which sites will be affected by the depot changes?
The feasibility study covers three locations: Stonebridge Park Depot in Brent, the Queen’s Park area, and the London Road sidings at Elephant & Castle in Southwark. Changes could include track realignments and building demolitions.
+When will the new Bakerloo line trains start running?
No date has been set for the new trains to enter service. The feasibility study is an early step, and funding for the wider upgrade programme has not been confirmed by Transport for London.
+How can residents have their say on the proposals?
Transport for London has not yet announced public consultation dates. Residents can register for updates on the TfL website under the Bakerloo Line Upgrade programme to be notified when consultation opens.
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