Peckham Rye’s new station would include a new town square and lifts to every platform
By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter
A new town square is part of the plans to revamp a rail station with lifts on every platform.
The 19th century station at Peckham Rye is currently the busiest in the UK without step-free access.
A square linking it with Peckham’s High Street via Rye Lane would also be created.
Network Rail said the alterations would allow the station to better cope with the number of commuters who pass through it each day.
A spokesperson said: “The station is not designed for the current number of passengers using it today.
“Platforms, passageway and gate lines are too narrow, leading to overcrowding at peak times.
“The project will consider how the station integrates with the surrounding public realm, particularly the new Station Square, providing better access into the station.”
Accessible toilets would be installed throughout the station as part of the revamp.
Platforms and passageways will be widened to accommodate extra passengers and allow more trains to stop there in the future.
The size of the station’s entrances will be increased and new staircases installed as part of the plans.
Network Rail says the renovation would make the station easier to navigate for parents with buggies, shoppers and those with mobility issues.
The Department of Transport gave Network Rail £1 million to create the designs.
They were developed after online consultations with people living in the area, local businesses and community groups.
During the focus groups, residents said they wanted more bins around the station to stop littering.
They also asked for better signage throughout to make it easier to navigate.
Network Rail is expected to request funding from the government this spring to carry out the proposals.
Peckham Rye Station was completed in 1866 for the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway.
The original platforms were demolished in 1962 and replaced with the island platforms used at the station today.
