The UK’s Transport for London (TfL) has named Costain as the intended contractor for a £120m ($159m) design-and-build project to upgrade South Kensington Tube station.
TfL confirmed that it plans to award the contract through its Infrastructure Improvement Framework, with initial site works expected before the end of the year.
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The scheme aims to provide step-free access throughout the Grade II-listed station for the first time. This will include the Circle, District and Piccadilly line platforms, as well as the ticket hall and subway linking the station to neighbouring museums.
The upgrade will add a new accessible entrance on Thurloe Street and a dedicated eastbound platform for the Circle and District lines.
The project also includes restoring the station’s heritage features on the Circle and District line platforms.
South Kensington serves as a key entry point to London’s cultural, educational and medical institutions, and sees tens of millions of visitors each year.
Once completed by 2031, TfL expects the upgrade to significantly boost station capacity and improve accessibility for wheelchair users, parents with buggies and other passengers with mobility needs.
The improvements are expected to reduce overcrowding and make the station easier to navigate, particularly for passengers who currently struggle to get around.
TfL plans to deliver the station works in collaboration with Costain, alongside a development project carried out by a joint venture between Native Land and Places for London.
Granted full planning permission in December 2023, the wider development will refurbish the historic arcade, restore the surrounding retail units, and build around 50 new homes, including on-site affordable housing.
A new four-storey building, known as ‘The Bullnose’, will also be constructed at the station entrance, with retail and food outlets on the ground floor and flexible office space above.
Funding for the station upgrade is provided through TfL’s Business Plan, with additional contributions from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the 1851 Commission.
Costain rail sector director Alistair Geddes said: “In close collaboration with TfL and our supply partners, we’re ready to deliver upgrades to the internationally important South Kensington station that will improve London’s transport network and enhance the passenger experience for decades to come.”
Preparatory works will start later this year at 34 Thurloe Street, with these initial construction activities estimated to last around eight weeks.
The work is being scheduled to minimise disruption to station users and residents.
The main construction phase is expected to follow once preliminary works are complete.
