South Kensington station step-free access works begin
Costain awarded contract to deliver new lifts and upgrade passenger flow by 2031.
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Work has begun on improvements to South Kensington tube station that will introduce step-free access for passengers. The project, which aims to enhance accessibility and passenger flow, has seen contractors commence preliminary enabling works. Transport for London (TfL) has awarded the contract for the design and construction of these upgrades to Costain.
Enabling Works Underway
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The initial phase of work involves preliminary tasks at 34 Thurloe Street, a former retail unit adjacent to the station entrance. These enabling works are expected to continue for approximately eight weeks. They include the dismantling of the shop's first floor and the installation of temporary structural bracing. The shop front will be removed for potential reuse elsewhere. Following this initial period, the site will be secured until the main construction programme begins.
Station Upgrades and Timeline
When fully completed, the project will provide step-free access via new lifts to the Circle, District, and Piccadilly line platforms. Access will also be improved to the ticket hall and a pedestrian subway connecting to nearby museums. A significant part of the upgrade involves bringing a currently disused eastbound Circle and District line platform back into passenger service. This is intended to help separate eastbound and westbound services, increasing capacity and improving passenger movement within the station.
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The main station construction works are scheduled to start in 2028. The entire project is planned for completion by 2031. TfL's Business Plan is providing funding for the upgrade, with contributions from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the 1851 Commission.
What Happens Next
Following the current eight-week enabling works, the site at 34 Thurloe Street will be secured. Detailed design for the station capacity upgrade will be developed in coordination with surrounding developments. The main construction phase is set to commence in 2028, with completion anticipated in 2031.
Questions this report answers
+When will the step-free access at South Kensington station be completed?
The main station works are scheduled to begin in 2028 and are expected to be fully completed by 2031. This timeline includes the installation of new lifts and the repurposing of a disused platform.
+Who is carrying out the work at South Kensington station?
Costain has been awarded the contract by Transport for London (TfL) to design and build the station improvements. Enabling works have already commenced, with main construction planned for a later date.
+What improvements will be made to South Kensington station?
The project will introduce new lifts to provide step-free access to the Circle, District, and Piccadilly line platforms, the ticket hall, and a pedestrian subway. Additionally, a disused eastbound platform will be brought back into passenger use.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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