Council Feryal Demirci officially opened a new, second entrance at London Fields Station in Hackney earlier this month, making it easier than ever for the increased number of users to access surrounding areas on the park side of the station.

In recent months, anyone using London Fields Station, Mentmore Terrace E8, would have noticed a range of improvements works being carried out on the site, including a second entrance onto Martello Terrace on the park side.

The main aim of the second entrance and improvements, which includes installation of internal and external CCTV cameras, new information boards and direction signage, electronic departure boards and new platform seating, is to encourage a sustained increase in the number of people using the station, which has gone up ten-fold over the past fifteen year.

The improvements are also part of the Council’s commitment to increase the use of public transport and contribute to a shift from private cars, thereby reducing congestion, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions, and to support the ongoing rejuvenation of the local area.

Councillor Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, officially opened the new entrance on Tuesday 2 August. She was joined by a number of guests who have been instrumental in supporting the new entrance and improved facilities at the station, including Andrew Goodrum and colleagues from National Express East Anglia (NXEA); Asim Khan, Network Rail; Geoff Hobbs, Transport for London Rail; Mike Martin, London Fields User Group and Jonathan and Jacqueline Roberts, JRC Consulting, rail adviser, along with members of Hackney Council’s Streetscene Services team.

The new facilities have resolved access issues on the park side of the station, removing the need to pass under the railway arches. They also improve and enhance the look and feel of the area.

Opening the new entrance Councillor Demirci welcomed and thanked all those involved in the project for taking the time to attend the event. She said: “Residents and visitors to the area have demonstrated a need for the enhancements at London Fields Station through a continued growth in the number of users, even at weekends, and the works have been supported by the Council.”

“Looking around at the new facilities and this second entrance it is easy to see why everyone is proud to have successfully achieved this project. The station is a wonderful example of our partnership work with National Express East Anglia, Network Rail, London Fields User Group and many others, with benefits for all users. Thank you and well done to everyone involved.”

Andrew Goodrum National Express East Anglia’s Customer Services Director said: “We are pleased to have worked with Hackney Council and our rail industry partners to introduce a new entrance at London Fields station.

“The new entrance will make the station more accessible for our customers and together with the new customer information screens and signage will provide an enhanced level of information for everyone who passes through the station.”

The Council utilised funding obtained through Section 106 agreements, planning contributions from recent new developments nearby to invest in the station and improve customer facilities.

For more information about public transport and travel in Hackney, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/movegreener