Peckham Rye station set for huge revamp to improve accessibility

Network Rail received planning consent for its proposals to modernise the Victorian station building to support wheelchair users, those with pushchairs and passengers travelling with luggage.

Plans include creating a new station concourse at ground level, along with new lifts and stair access to all platforms, accessible toilets, wider platforms, and additional gate lines at the entrance from Dovedale Court.

Artist impression of the station concourse (Image: Network Rail)
 
These latest proposals follow work completed earlier this year by Network Rail to restore the Grade II listed Victorian station, which involved cleaning the external brickwork, renovating the station roof and opening the disused waiting room.

Network Rail will commence the next stage of the project in 2024 and will submit an Outline Business Case along with a request for £40 million, with hopes that this phase will be completed by Summer 2025.

The following phase is then expected to commence, where Network Rail will continue to work with the Department of Transport (DfT) to produce a Final Business Case and request funding for construction works.

If plans go ahead, construction is anticipated to start from autumn 2025, lasting for around two years.

Artist impression of the platform side of the concourse (Image: Network Rail)

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.”

These plans are expected to improve passenger experience, improve safety and train performance, and provide further scope for potential expansion projects in the future.

Artist impression of the station exterior (Image: Network Rail)

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.”

These plans complement Southwark Council’s £27 million investment to create a new civic square between the station and Rye Lane, providing passengers with an additional route to access Peckham Rye station and linking the station with Rye Lane to benefit local businesses.

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.”