Improvements at Denmark Hill station unveiled by transport minister

Improvements at a key railway interchange in south London have been formally unveiled by minister for transport, Norman Baker MP.

More than £6m of work has been completed at Denmark Hill station providing passengers with better access and facilities.

The government’s Access for All scheme has funded £4.3m of work which includes step-free access between pavement and platforms and a number of improvements to information screens, public address systems and signage.

Funding totalling £2m from Network Rail’s National Station Improvement Programme and train operator Southeastern has provided a new ticket office, a new station entrance, better passenger waiting areas and new retail facilities including a coffee shop. Accessible toilets have also been provided within the new station building.

The opening ceremony today (Tuesday 10 September) was attended by Norman Baker MP; Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director for Kent; and Charles Horton, managing director of Southeastern.

Minister for Transport Norman Baker MP, said: “The Coalition Government’s Access for All scheme is making a real difference to passengers and I know these improvements will be welcomed by the thousands using Denmark Hill station every day, including those travelling to Kings College and Maudsley hospitals.

“By opening up access and providing step-free routes we provide all passengers, including those with disabilities and parents with young children, greater access to employment and social opportunities. And of course everyone feels the benefit of taking a train from stations with improved facilities and layout.”

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s route managing director, said: “This is a much improved station which will provide passengers with a much better experience as they use the railway. There is better access, better information and better facilities, all of which have made a huge difference to the quality of the station.

“We have worked closely with the Department for Transport and Southeastern to deliver these improvements which will help to meet the demands of the millions of passengers which use the station every year.”

Charles Horton, managing director of Southeastern, said: “This major upgrade is part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and improve rail services and facilities for our passengers. The new station is much more accessible, offers terrific new facilities and we’re pleased to officially open the new station to our customers.”

Denmark Hill station serves around 3.7m passenger a year, a figure which has more than doubled in less than a decade. With the recent extension of the London Overground route between Clapham Junction and Surrey Quays, the improved links to additional stations around London will contribute to a growing number of passengers expected to use the station in the next decade.

The Grade II listed station was built in 1865 and the interchange between platforms and the station entrance/exit had been via the original narrow station staircases.

From the new station entrance there is a ramp to a new footbridge and lifts serving all platforms. A new ticket gate has been installed to improve security and provide revenue protection.