London's controversial Liverpool Street overhaul approved

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a £1.2BN overhaul of London’s Liverpool Street Station have today been approved by the City of London Corporation. The project is now proceeding despite some 5,000 responses to the public consultation, around two thirds of which expressed opposition to the scheme.

The original planning application from May 2023 featured a design by architects Herzog and de Meuron, but was withdrawn after it received more than 2,000 objections.

The updated and now approved proposals, developed by Network Rail and ACME Architects, will see the concourse and ticket hall enlarged and new landmark entrances created. 

Above and Below: London's Liverpool Street will get new landmark entrances and an improved concourse. Images: Network Rail Property / ACME. 

The new office block that was originally planned for construction above the station was also reduced in size and realigned to avoid interfering with the site of the Great Eastern Hotel, while other modifications ensured the historic roof above the platforms, dating from 1875, would not be altered during the works.

Commenting on the approval of the plans, the City of London Corporation's Policy Chairman Chris Hayward, said: 

“This redevelopment of Liverpool Street station is a major step forward for the Square Mile. It will support the City’s dynamic business ecosystem with state-of-the-art infrastructure, create new jobs and strengthen our position as a world‑leading destination, while ensuring that residents, workers and visitors all benefit from a modern, inclusive and future‑focused transport hub.

“As competition among global cities increases, we must demonstrate our openness to new investment that will enhance our urban environment and Liverpool Street station will now continue to do just that.”

Above: London Liverpool Street's proposed new concourse. Image: Network Rail Property / ACME.

The latest data from the UK's Office for Rail and Road showed 98M entries and exits from Liverpool Street in 2024-25. That's a 41% increase on the pre-pandemic peak and makes Liverpool Street the busiest station in the UK.