Despite revisions, conservationists argue that the scaled-back redevelopment still fails to address key concerns over the station’s historical significance.
The latest revision to the redevelopment plans for Liverpool Street Station has sparked renewed criticism from heritage groups, who argue that the new proposals still fall short of preserving the station’s historic value. Network Rail’s latest plans, which include a smaller mixed-use tower and a redesign of the station’s concourse, have failed to appease the Victorian Society and other objectors, who continue to voice concerns over the impact on the Grade II-listed building and its surroundings.
The original proposal, which attracted thousands of objections, featured a controversial 21-storey skyscraper above the station. It was heavily criticised by conservationists, including Historic England, who warned that it could ruin views of St Paul’s Cathedral. In response, Network Rail scaled back the development, reducing the tower’s height to 97m from the original 108m and repositioning it to sit behind the listed Andaz Hotel, rather than above the station’s iconic frontage.
Despite these changes, the Victorian Society remains opposed to the plan. Griff Rhys Jones, President of the Liverpool Street Station Campaign (LISSCA), expressed his disappointment, stating: “The new design still doesn’t address the core concerns raised by the thousands who objected to the first plan. It’s clear that Liverpool Street should be treated as an important historic artefact, not just a site for commercial development.”
Jones added that other London stations, such as King’s Cross and St Pancras, have successfully undergone adaptations that enhanced their historical features while meeting modern demands. “It’s perverse that Liverpool Street’s redevelopment is taking a step backwards, rather than forward,” he said. “Network Rail needs to recognise that the station is more than a development opportunity—it is an important part of London’s heritage.”
Network Rail, however, insists that the station, which is Britain’s busiest, requires significant improvements to handle future demand. A spokesperson for the company argued: “We understand the concerns of heritage groups, but our stations are not just artefacts—they are working buildings. We have listened to feedback from the previous proposal and have reduced the height of the new tower and ensured that it no longer impacts the Grade II-listed Great Eastern Hotel.”
The new plans also include improvements to the station’s concourse and Tube ticket hall, both of which have been plagued by overcrowding. A new, step-free access system will be introduced for all mainline and Tube platforms, and the current departures board will be replaced with smaller boards over each platform entrance, designed to reduce visual clutter.
Friedrich Ludewig, founding director of ACME, the firm behind the new design, expressed confidence in the revised approach: “We are creating a transport hub that will work for the city and for Londoners. The aim is to retain the tall and airy feel of the concourse while introducing a flexible office space above to fund the much-needed improvements at street level.”
While Network Rail maintains that the project will improve the station’s functionality and user experience, the Victorian Society’s ongoing objections highlight the tension between modernisation and heritage preservation. As the planning application progresses, it seems clear that finding a balance between the station’s historical significance and the demands of 21st-century transport will remain a challenge.
