31 railway arches near Wood Lane Tube station are to be transformed into retail units and commercial space as part of Transport for London’s plans to boost the amount of money it raises from non-fares sources.
The arches are located close to a number of major developments, including the extension to Westfield London shopping centre, which TfL says can be supported by bringing the arches back into use as commercial, leisure and retail space.
In addition, the agency plans to create new pedestrian passageways to improve connectivity in the neighbourhood and introduce new cycle parking.
Subject to planning permission, TfL will develop the arches in two phases, the first of which will see it open the 19 arches closest to Wood Lane Tube station in early 2018, when the new John Lewis store at Westfield is set to open.
In the second phase TfL plans to open 12 arches closest to the A3320 West Cross Route, in line with when the adjacent residential developments are completed in the early 2020s.
Graeme Craig, TfL Commercial Development Director said: “Opening the arches at Wood Lane will truly transform the area – supporting ongoing regeneration with new locations for small and independent businesses and improving pedestrian connectivity.
“These are the first of a number of arches that we are looking to develop to help us raise vital revenue to reinvest in the transport network.”
