Plans submitted for  new building in preparation for Crossrail

(artist's impression)

This is how Acton Main Line Station could look if plans are approved by Ealing Council.

Crossrail and Network Rail have just unveiled the proposals and the architect's impression (as above). They say it will be a 'bright, modern, spacious new ticket hall' made from glass and steel and will be designed by Bennetts Associates. It will be located on Horn Lane.

The transformation of the station will be carried out by Network Rail as part of their Railway Upgrade Plan. From the end of 2017 the station will be run by Transport for London as part of London’s integrated transport network.

Other changes to the station include new lifts to every platform, longer platforms to accommodate 200 metre trains and a variety of new signage, help points and CCTV.

Matthew Steele, Crossrail Programme Director at Network Rail said: “Our proposed design will completely transform Acton Main Line station and provide a greatly enhanced passenger experience for those using the station. The ticket office will be light and airy and the station will be fully accessible, with new lifts providing step-free access from street level to trains.”

Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director said: “The Crossrail project will provide a step change in public transport for people in the area – new trains, quicker journeys and a brand new station at Acton Main Line. The new service will provide fast and reliable journeys to the West End, the City and Canary Wharf.”

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said: “It is getting very exciting as the arrival of Crossrail draws nearer. Ealing is one of only two London boroughs which will have five Crossrail stations. It will bring huge economic benefits and we are working closely with Crossrail to ensure that the new stations are well-designed, innovative and accessible so that travelling is a speedy and pleasant experience. That is why it is particularly pleasing to see that the new Acton station will have lifts to every platform.”

David Laing, Studio Director at Bennetts Associates said: “The new station building will address the junction of Horn Lane and Friary Road. The design creates a tall, naturally lit ticket hall with clearly defined routes to the platforms. Housed within a transparent glazed pavilion, its distinctive structure and canopied frontage will make it recognisable as one of a family of new Crossrail stations designed by Bennetts Associates through west London.”

When the new railway fully opens in 2019, four Elizabeth line services an hour in each direction will serve Acton Main Line station, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains. Passengers will be able to get to Bond Street in 9 minutes and Liverpool Street in 16 minutes, while the journey to Canary Wharf will take 23 minutes.

22 March 2016