Tackling congestion: new entrance planned for Hackney Central Station
Hackney Central Station is set for a second entrance to alleviate congestion at the current entrance under joint proposals by Hackney Council, Transport for London and Network Rail released today.
Subject to funding and planning permission, an additional entrance and ticket hall would be built on Graham Road giving passengers direct access to the westbound platform of the station, with additional stairs added to the existing pedestrian bridge over the railway line.
The plans, which will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet on Monday 16 March, would see Council-owned land on Graham Road leased to Network Rail once the new station entrance is built. TfL will apply for planning permission to carry out the work.
The London Overground line has seen a 160% increase in use, with a further 25% increase expected by 2031, while the number of passengers using the walkway to Hackney Downs has rocketed by 340% since it opened in 2015. At peak times or when two trains arrive simultaneously, platforms and entrances become congested.
The need to improve Hackney Central station is a regular theme in the Council’s ongoing Hackney Central Conversation, with concerns raised about the size, safety and overcrowding of the station.
As anyone, like me, who uses Hackney Central Station knows, it is busy, overcrowded and its entrances are no longer fit for purpose.
These proposals will see coordinated investment in the station to support our fantastic and growing town centre, ensuring that passengers have a safe, easy and welcoming entrance to our borough.
User surveys carried out by TfL have shown that around 30-35% of existing passengers would use the proposed new entrance, at 231-237 Graham Road, instead of the existing route. Under the plans, work would start later this year.
The new entrance would include stairs up to the platform, a new ticket hall building and ticket gates, as well as cycle parking and green space.
We continue to work closely with the London Borough of Hackney and Network Rail on plans for a second entrance at Hackney Central station. It will provide customers with quicker and easier access to the station, something that is especially needed during the busiest times.
The station environment plays a key part in passengers’ journeys. We’re working with TfL and London Borough of Hackney on plans to provide a new entrance to ease congestion and help passengers to complete their journeys quicker and easier.
The Cabinet will also consider plans to start design work on a permanent new entrance building on the north side of the station to provide long-term improvements for passengers.