Transport for London is seeking to create a new joint venture partnership to “sensitively restore” South Kensington’s “iconic” Tube station.
Located near the Science, Natural History and Victoria and Albert museums, the station serves as the gateway to one of the capital’s most important and popular cultural hubs and serves more than 34 million passengers each year.
TfL says that the project will deliver step-free access to the pedestrian subway, easing access to the museums, and restore the station entrances and the Grade II listed shopping arcade which “will be restored to its original state”.
In addition it plans to refurbish the four storey buildings at 20-34 Thurloe Street as well as potentially place a single storey on the distinctive Bullnose building and create new opportunities on its stretch of Pelham Street.
Bids from interested developers are being solicited with an aim of picking a partner later this year. TfL and the successful bidder will then develop proposals for the site in consultation with the local community.
Subject to planning consent, the development could be complete in 2022.
Graeme Craig, TfL’s Director of Commercial Development Director, said: “South Kensington Tube station is one of our busiest stations and also the gateway to some of the most important and treasured cultural institutions anywhere in the world.
“We want to find a long-term partner with whom we can work to create a station that reflects its historic legacy and unique setting, whilst generating vital revenue to reinvest in transport and provide step-free access for millions of journeys.”
