Minutes:
Simon Brooks, Communications Manager for Network Rail, spoke to the meeting about the refurbishment of London Bridge station over the coming years. The works would allow more trains to pass through the station by creating more ‘through’ platforms. The plans also included a new concourse at street level, allowing access from the north and south of the station. He presented the proposed design of the new parts of the station.
He explained the project’s timeline this was as follows:
• 17-21 May 2011 – public exhibition at London Bridge station, articles in local press and writing to local residents
• Summer 2011 – submit planning application
• Autumn / Winter 2011 – planning application decision
• 2012 – ‘enabling’ work – e.g. cable relocation
• 2013 – start construction (St. Thomas Street side)
• 2018 – station redevelopment complete
Residents suggested the plans needed more green features like trees and planters, and a green terrace. There were concerns raised about the predominance of glass and concrete in the proposed development, and about rain water run off. Concerns were also raised that the loss of the cul-de-sac platforms formed part of the reason why the ‘South London loop’ train was to be scrapped.
In response to further questions, Simon responded that Weston Street and Stainer Street would no longer be available to traffic, as they would be forming part of the new access to, and the new concourse of the station. A lot of the historical frontage (some of which had a blue plaque) would be retained. In terms of the ‘South London loop’, Simon explained that the responsibility of running services lay with the department for transport and train operators. The plans meant that the London Blitz experience would have to move, but not the London Dungeon. No change would be made to the tube station, and the connection between the Northern and Jubilee lines.