Developer Sellar with rail transport operator MTR, in partnership with Network Rail, have revealed their initial plans for the Liverpool Street station development.

The vision for the station, which was originally opened in 1875, is being developed in collaboration with Herzog & de Meuron architects (One Park Drive E14), with the over £1.5 billion project aiming to create a world-class transport hub, a new sustainably developed office, retail and leisure scheme with new public and green spaces.

Liverpool Street Station is currently serving 7 Underground lines, the Elizabeth line, London Overground and Greater Anglia services to destinations including Norwich, Cambridge and Stansted airport. It is now suffering from significant overcrowding, poor pedestrian accessibility and connectivity into and within the station. The station underwent a major upgrade in the late 1980s and with around 135 million passengers passing through it annually.

A £450 million programme of infrastructure works are proposed and funded through the private sector partnership, by delivering an accompanying mixed-use commercial development, which will unlock these issues and future-proof it for the years to come.

The plans for a new mixed-use commercial development above the concourse comprise up to 10 floors of workspace below a newly built Andaz hotel, which would be operated by Hyatt and expected to be a key part of the development, as well as a new culture, retail, and leisure district. The historic elements and façade of the Grade II listed hotel, which originally opened as the Great Eastern Hotel in 1884, will be sensitively restored.

The sustainable and wellness-focused office space is being designed to meet the high current and projected demand for modern Grade A space in the City of London that has strong environmental and wellness credentials. The proposals are currently targeting BREEAM “Outstanding” certification, the highest certification level possible.

A City destination offering new public realm and green spaces

The proposals also include the creation of over 1.5 acres of public realm in and around the main station building and Hope Square as well as the pedestrianisation of Liverpool Street.

A large-scale new public roof garden with 24/7 access and leisure uses is also being proposed, while new leisure retail and dining offers will be included within the commercial development and throughout the upgraded station concourse.

The plans do not include the track-side elements of the station past the ticket barriers which will allow the station to remain open and functioning throughout all phases of the project, with minimal impact on passengers.

The initial proposals for the project, including station improvements, were shared with the public this week at the Andaz London Liverpool Street hotel. The proposales are also available to view and comment on at upgradelss.com.

The planning application will be submitted in 2023.

The initial development programme estimates construction beginning in 2024 with completion in 2028/2029.

James Sellar, Chief Executive at Sellar, commented: “While working patterns have shifted post-COVID, passenger numbers are rebounding quickly and it is vital we continue to invest in London’s transport infrastructure to ensure it is fit for the future. Poor commutes are a barrier to London’s growth and it is extremely rare to have the opportunity to positively improve millions of passenger journeys every year. Our vision to significantly upgrade Liverpool Street station will alleviate its chronic overcapacity issues and future-proof it for generations at zero cost to the tax or fare payer.

“With additional wellness focused workspaces, retail and leisure, as well as enhanced public realm – all reflecting the changes to people’s lifestyles which have accelerated as a result of COVID, Liverpool Street will be transformed into a destination in its own right. London is at a pivotal moment post Brexit and post pandemic and we need to show a willingness to commit to infrastructure improvements. We believe that the proposed station upgrade will also help ensure that the City remains competitive and maintains its position as one of the world’s most innovative, inclusive and sustainable business ecosystems and as a highly attractive place to invest, work, live, learn and visit.”

Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, added: “Network Rail is working in partnership with Sellar and MTR, alongside key stakeholders, on plans to unlock this strategic regeneration opportunity in this part of the City. The plans will deliver a world-class transport interchange alongside new workspace with a new 24/7 leisure district at its heart. Central to this are the significant improvements to passenger journeys, accessibility, alongside high-quality facilities, and new landmark public space.

“The plans would transform Liverpool Street station into an exciting mixed-use destination in its own right, whilst sensitively restoring and showcasing the station’s heritage architecture. This project demonstrates the pivotal role the railway can play in unlocking sites which deliver growth. We’re delivering it through a public and private partnership, which will provide long-lasting benefits for the local community and the region.”

Steve Murphy, CEO at MTR UK, commented: “Just as we are honoured to operate the Elizabeth line on behalf of TfL, reflecting our vision for the future of rail transport in London, we are also excited to offer our vision for the railway station of the future. This will transform Liverpool Street into a world-class destination in its own right that will offer an enhanced experience to the local communities we serve.”

James Francque, Global Head of Transactions at the Hyatt, added: “We are proud to share the early concepts that bring the vision for Liverpool Street station and the newly developed Andaz London Liverpool Street to life with our colleagues and with the public in collaboration with Sellar and MTR. The greatly enhanced new Andaz London Liverpool Street is expected to be an exceptional component of this pioneering development, enhance our hospitality offering and deliver long-term value to our colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.”