TfL appoints multi-million-pound contract for construct of new Elephant & Castle tunnels

Transport for London (TfL) has awarded a multi-million-pound contract to Dragados UK for the design and construction of new passenger tunnels at Elephant & Castle Tube station.

Work on digging around 135m of new passenger tunnels – which will link a new station box to the existing platforms and overbridge – will start next year and is due to be completed in 2027. 

The works have been funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Borough of Southwark (LBS) as well as contributions from developers. 

This forms the first stage of a major upgrade of Elephant & Castle Tube station. The second stage – which is subject to funding approval – will see a new, larger Northern line entrance and ticket hall, with step-free access.

The new Northern line entrance and ticket hall represents the first piece of substantial infrastructure to support the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension, which is currently unfunded.

Two years ago, the cost of the extension to Lewisham was estimated at between £5.2billion and £8.7billion, at 2021 prices, plus a further £800million to reach Hayes.

If funding is secured, the extension would connect Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate, unlocking 20,000 homes and create 10,000 jobs, delivering a £1.5billion boost to the UK economy, according to TfL.

Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark council, said: “Elephant & Castle is fast-growing as a busy town centre and popular place to live, which needs a station that can meet increasing demand. 

“It’s really exciting to see major progress on a project that will help transform our city with new homes, jobs, and growth.” 

Pictured top: CGI view of the upgraded Elephant & Castle Tube station (Picture: TfL)