Motspur Park station to get step-free access as part of £8.9m works
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
Motspur Park station is to become more accessible as the council announces lifts will be operational in September.
This comes following a year-long project carried out at the station, which has seen new lifts and walkways installed amongst other upgrades.
Merton council has announced that the long-anticipated lifts will become operational on September 13, subject to a two-week safety monitoring period.
The upgrade has been delivered by Network Rail, with support from South Western Railway and Merton council. The project, which began in March 2023, is part of the Government’s Access for All programme, funded by a £8.9million investment from the Department for Transport.
Other upgrades at the station include a new step-free footbridge, giving full access to lifts and stairs to the central platforms, making it easier for customers to find their way around the station. The makeover also sees new lighting and security cameras installed around the lifts and bridge to bolster station security.
Cabinet Member for Transport at Merton, councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “It’s about disabled people, but it’s also about people with buggies and small children and those with heavy loads. It’s something that we’re all going to be proud of.
“Provided that all goes well and the two weeks pass, it will open forever.
“Greater accessibility has been one of the council’s biggest transport priorities, and will continue to be so that people can enjoy everything Merton has to offer.”
This news comes following the announcement earlier this month that the nearby Colliers Wood underground station could receive step-free access in the coming years.
The station, alongside Tooting Broadway, will be subject to a TfL feasibility study that could see them wheelchair-accessible like their Northern line terminus at Morden.
The feasability study will assess the benefits, costs, and impact on passengers, with a focus on making these busy stations more accessible.
The southern end of the Northern line is currently the longest stretch of the tube network without step-free Tube access.
Following the announcement on August 13, the Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “London is for everyone, and the Mayor and I are committed to making London’s transport network as accessible as possible, to enable everyone to enjoy all that London has to offer.”
Pictured top: Motspur Park station has been subject to £8.9m investment from the Department for Transport (Picture: Google Street View)