Network Rail submits plans for London Bridge

Network Rail has submitted a formal planning application to redevelop London Bridge Station.

The submission to Southwark Council includes plans for a new concourse underneath the station’s platforms that will be larger than the pitch at Wembley stadium.

The redevelopment will increase space for at the station to allow around two thirds more passengers to travel through it. Two new entrances will also be constructed on Tooley Street and St Thomas Street, in a bid to improve links between the areas around the station.

Coupled with changes and improvements to the rail infrastructure around the station, the investment in the area will mark the final phase of the Thameslink programme to deliver longer trains and more frequent services to more destinations.

Commenting on the submission, Network Rail’s project director Martin Jurkowski said: “We know that passengers are crying out for the improvements our plans will bring. We are looking forward to working with London Borough of Southwark and everyone with an interest in our plans to make these improvements a reality.”

A decision on the planning application is expected to be made later this year. If the application is successful work will begin in 2013 and is expected to take five years to complete.