The City of London Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission for Network Rail’s transformation of London Liverpool Street, which was last redeveloped in 1991 after passenger numbers tripled over the past 35 years.
The scheme is designed to future‑proof the station for decades. Liverpool Street currently handles about 118 million passengers a year across London, East Anglia and the east of England. With annual users forecast to rise by 35% to 158 million by 2041, the approved plans aim to ensure the station can accommodate more than 200 million people in the longer term.
Network Rail says the project will also support the Square Mile’s growth, with figures indicating the transformation could add up to £4.6bn a year to the City of London economy through increased visitor numbers – a contribution comparable in scale to a 1p change in the basic rate of income tax, referencing HM Revenue & Customs’ January 2025 “Direct effects of illustrative tax changes” bulletin.
Key passenger improvements include:
- A 76% increase in overall concourse capacity, with the lower concourse expanded by 23% to ease flows and cut congestion
- A fully inclusive, step‑free route from street to every platform, including step‑free access to all London Underground lines for the first time
- Eight new large lifts (replacing the current single four‑person lift)
- An increase in escalators from four to ten, improving vertical circulation between street and concourse
- New landmark accessible entrances and clearer wayfinding from Broadgate and Exchange Square, plus more direct access to buses, cycle parking and taxis
- Toilets on all levels, including family facilities and Changing Places provision
Heritage conservation is central to the design, with the Victorian trainshed remaining untouched. The plans will also open up new vantage points over the historic architecture, bringing passengers closer to the station’s original fabric.
The infrastructure works are supported by a new office building above the concourse, incorporating a publicly accessible roof garden. Network Rail says the workspace will be among the capital’s best‑connected and most sustainably located, aligning with the City’s growth ambitions.
Ellie Burrows, Managing Director for Network Rail’s Eastern region, said: “This decision represents a key step towards the transformation of Britain’s busiest station and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Liverpool Street.
“Our plans focus on improving the everyday experience for passengers whilst respecting the station’s unique heritage. With annual passenger numbers forecast to grow to 158 million, this approval ensures the station will be future proofed for decades to come.”
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