Hither Green station in southeast London is to get a new entrance, footbridge and lifts to add step-free access to the station for the first time.
New footbridge and lifts (c) Network Rail
The station is raised up on an embankment, and at the moment, the entrance to the station is through an underpass (bottom left of the photo above) that runs under the railway with a ramp up to the platforms.
The station is also a slightly complex layout as it sits at the junction of the Charing Cross to Dover lines and the Hither Green to Dartford lines which converge at this point. There are two old footbridges linking the platforms, but no lifts and the slopes up to the platform are too steep to be considered acceptable for compliance with step-free access.
Network Rail’s plans are to build a new entrance on the other end of the platforms from the current entrance, offering two lifts up to a new footbridge that will link all the platforms with lifts down to the platforms. One of the advantages highlighted by Network Rail of the scheme is that it helps to tie all the platforms together with a single route, rather than the current layout, which is more like two separate stations that just happen to sit next to each other.
The footbridge will link two new entrances, which will be cut into the embankment to create space next to the new stairs and lifts, and also space for two new cycle racks. There won’t be ticket barriers added as there’s not enough space to fit them into both entrances.
After completion of the works, the two existing older footbridges will be taken down and removed.
Although Network Rail is seeking planning permission, a clause in the Railways Clauses Consolidation Act 1845 means that Lewisham Council can only object to the proposed development if it can find an alternative location for it. The planning documents show that would be unlikely, so approval of the plans seems likely to be a rubber stamp process.
A plot of land next to the existing entrance, and also between the two banks of platforms are being reserved for future development, which is likely to be housing, and subject to normal planning procedures.
Indicative view from Fernbrook Road (c) Network Rail
Indicative view from Brightside Road (c) Network Rail
Where is the plot of land next to the entrance? Is that the line currently on the market for £1mil on springbank road?
The plot of land identified for future development on the Network Rail plans is on Staplehurst Road/Fernbrook Road (opposite the Nisa).
The vacant plot of land on Springbank Road by the station entrance, is in private hands, and has planning for a 4 storey building with 6 flats and (Lewisham Planning Ref: DC/19/114830)
No doubt the underpass will remain open as it’s a very handy pedestrian link to cross the railway.
But I wonder if they will then close the ramp which currently links it directly to 2 of the platforms, because of its non-compliance with step free access.
Hopefully the footbridges will end up at a heritage railway somewhere and not be scrapped.
The underpass will remain open as it’s the main entrance to the station.
Do we know when the works will start?