Conservationists have condemned the proposed redevelopment of Liverpool Street station as “a significant and needless squandering of resources,” suggesting it may become “obsolete upon completion.”
The plans by Network Rail, which involve partially dismantling the UK’s busiest station and erecting a multi-storey structure that would cantilever over a nearby Grade II* listed former hotel, were criticized in a report commissioned by the Liverpool Street Station Campaign (LISSCA).
The Victorian Society has labeled the project “environmentally regressive” and urged the City of London planning committee to reject it.
In response, Network Rail maintained that Liverpool Street is overdue for a much-needed upgrade, arguing that the current facilities cannot sustain projected growth.
A 22-page report on embodied carbon indicates that the proposal demonstrates “very little ambition or intent to align with current best practices in low carbon construction or adhere to the UK’s net zero goals.”
The report authored by Simon Sturgis points out that the submission destroys usable infrastructure without properly exploring retrofitting alternatives.
Following widespread public discontent and objections from Westminster Council and Historic England, revised redevelopment plans were submitted to the City of London Corporation in April.
The amended proposal includes modifications such as reducing the office block’s size above the station, repositioning the building to avoid encroaching on the Great Eastern Hotel site, and redesigning the station entrances.
James Hughes, director of the Victorian Society, remarked: “This report brings to light serious deficiencies in the Liverpool Street Station proposal. While Network Rail asserts its scheme is an environmental benchmark, this assessment reveals it to be quite the opposite.”
A representative from Network Rail responded: “This investment in sustainable transport will allow the station’s capacity to increase by 30%, accommodating 150 million passengers annually and improving accessibility for everyone.
“The Liverpool Street redevelopment will significantly aid in minimizing London’s carbon footprint, enabling two billion additional passengers to embark on sustainable journeys over the next 60 years.”
The spokesperson further noted that “the vast majority of the existing station will be preserved and renovated,” with the planning application designed to be carbon-neutral in operation and to utilize low carbon materials in its construction.
