The future Elizabeth line entrance is now much more noticeable from inside Paddington station after hoardings were removed alongside Platform 1 recently.
The Elizabeth line platforms, which run along, and below Platform 1 on the outside of the main building have been a largely hidden aspect of the project for anyone using Paddington station as they are not where people would often be heading.
The space that the Elizabeth line entrance occupies used to be the old taxi rank, so naturally there were entrances between Paddington station and the taxi rank, and it’s these that have been reopened.
The entrances to the Elizabeth line are naturally still closed off, but the two large staircases leading down from the main road are open, as are the two ramps that the taxis used to use, and the whole area has been paved as a pedestrian space.
It’s already in use, as a bit of a quiet space from the noise of the main station – with seating and train departure displays to watch.
Above is a glass canopy, which also contains the Crossrail project’s largest artwork, in the clouds that have been added to the glass. Designed by Spencer Finch, these are not just any clouds, but 27 different cloud types, appearing together in a formation that is not possible in nature.
If you’re interested, there’s a limited edition book about the art.
When it opens, while most people will swap lines using these entrances, there’s also a deep level tunnel linking the Elizabeth line directly to the Bakerloo line.
The clouds on the roof just look like dirty glass that needs cleaning.
Ouch…Though similarly the striped ‘art’ in the new entrance to Tottenham Court Road tube looks from across the road exactly like the steel gates closing the station are shut 🙁
I assume a regular cleaning regime will be in place. There was a mews house developed not far from Paddington with a huge glass roof panel. As you can imagine, it collected plane tree tree seeds and leaves, pigeon droppings and the usual city grit. Sort of a nice-in-the-lab but not in the real-world idea
They have already had to replace at least one of the new glass art panels at Paddington (breakage) – I wonder if that has to be specially commissioned?
As per news in Feb 2021, the Paddington crossrail station was supposed to be handed over to Tfl in 12 weeks. Its been 6 months now, still no news of Paddington station handover. Wonder what’s causing the delay?!
Should have remained Crossrail and not rebranded the Elizabeth Line.
I agree!
Didn’t that area used to be the taxi rank?
Yes, it used to be Paddington‘s taxi rank, as stated in the third paragraph.
It would be even better if the London Northwestern Railway fast trains stopped at Queens Park when it opens, as this would then provide a short link (albeit Bakerloo line) to the Elizabeth Line at Paddington
Not better than stopping at Euston with a short link (Northern Line) to Elizabeth Line at Tottenham Court Road
Missed opportunity to link it from Old Oak Common to Willesden Junction and the West Coast
Only and 500 yards