Unpopular glass fronted facade may be binned

Crossrail have bowed to public pressure and agreed to review their unpopular design plans for Ealing Broadway station.

There has been mounting criticism over Crossrail's proposals which include step free access, new lifts and staircases ( but no escalators), a new entrance hall and an unpopular glass fronted facade.

On Thursday (6th Feb) London Assembly’s transport committee meeting heard Crossrail's surprise announcement - an independent panel will look again at the design of 27 surface stations including, Ealing Broadway, and the borough’s four other stations on the line.

Last month, Ealing Council confirmed that it was to bring in its own architects - HOK and John McAslan and partners - to work on exterior designs for Ealing Broadway and Southall stations.

The council - alongside the voluntary body - Save Ealing Centre (SEC) campaign - have been very unhappy with the plans for the exterior of the station which SEC described as a 'disgrace'.

SEC wrote to the London Mayor, Boris Johnson, urging he take action.

Crossrail's latest announcement has been welcomed.

Councillor Julian Bell leader of the council, said:

“This announcement is a definite step in the right direction. I’m pleased that Crossrail has promised to appoint an independent panel to review the designs of the outer London stations.   We are pleased that by raising our concerns, Crossrail has had a rethink, this should mean better designs for Ealing Broadway and the other stations along the route.

“We will continue to press for the best possible stations for our borough. Already, we have had a lot of success influencing the interior plans for the station and we will continue to work constructively to get the high-quality designs befitting of these important local landmarks.”

The council has been working closely with Crossrail on the emerging designs for all five stations in Ealing and claim it has already secured some significant improvements to the interior designs including lifts so that the station is more accessible, as well as the adaption of designs so that retail premises are better located within the station. However, there is criticism that escalators haven't been included in the refurbishment.

Ealing Broadway is further along the Crossrail project process than the borough’s four other stations (Acton, West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall).  The council’s planning department has received plans from Crossrail for the latest stage of the Ealing Broadway scheme. It is hoped that agreement on the station’s design can be reached as quickly as possible so that the plans can be considered without delay. 

At Southall Station, council-employed architects John McAslan and partners will work with Crossrail to improve both the visual appearance of the station and make it as easy as possible for passengers to use.  In particular, the council wants to harness the station’s contribution to the wider regeneration of the area, including proposed developments at Southall Gas Works, Middlesex Business Park and the town centre sites.

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10th February 2014