Major station refurbishment project at Willesden Junction improves safety and transport links

Through the joint investment of more than £750,000, a collaborative multi-party improvement scheme at Willesden Junction has created a much needed safer and more secure station approach for passengers and the local community.

The refurbishment project, which was completed seven days ahead of schedule, re-opened last month. The works have created a safer environment for passengers, staff and the local community with improved road conditions, new lighting and an increased number of CCTV cameras. Transport links have also been improved with new bus stops, shelters, cycle racks and short term parking bays.

The scheme has been funded by Network Rail, Transport for London (TfL) and the London Boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham who worked closely to put together a joint funding package for a scheme that could not be funded by one party alone.

The project team was supported by London Overground Rail Operations Limited (LOROL) who manage Willesden Junction station, along with the main contractor, Walkers Constuction and the local community group, the Harlesden Town Team.

“The benefits are substantial. New street lighting will help passengers feel more secure when travelling at night, the wider footway will be a significant benefit to pedestrians, together with new cycle parking and accessible bus stops, we have also improved the carriageways in Station Road and into Station Approach with anti-skid surfaces,” explained Scott Lester, Borough Programme Manager (North and West), Surface Planning Directorate at TfL.

The project demonstrates what can be achieved when different organisations pull together to focus funding, resources and commitment to a particular scheme. Dyan Crowther, Network Rail Route Managing Director, said: “The organisations involved worked well together and the communications between the various stakeholders has been particularly effective. We involved the local community early on in the design and planning so that we could take into account their feedback and ensure that the project delivered the maximum benefits from the funding available.”

Leroy Simpson who runs the local community Group, Harlesden Town Team and is involved in the wider Harlesden Town development project said: “In early 2011, we had increasing concerns over the deteriorating conditions along the access routes to Willesden Junction station. Since negotiating funding, we have been closely involved in the planning and design process and now that the building works have been completed the response from the community has been extremely positive. They much needed improvements have definitely brightened thousands of passengers’ journeys.”

The main contractor, Walkers Construction also worked closely with the local community and LOROL station and depot staff to minimise disruption during the construction work. “There have been no significant complaints or incidents during the works and it’s as a result of the project team working effectively together that we have been able to deliver the construction works ahead of schedule,” said Darryl Harvey, Contract Manager at Walkers Construction UK Ltd.

“This is a significant multi-party improvement scheme which is a great showcase for collaborative working and community engagement. The refurbishment scheme has made a real difference to the community and we are delighted that our passengers and our staff can now benefit from the improvements and take pride in the local station environment,” added Peter Kalton, LOROL’s Head of Infrastructure and Revenue Protection.