An £8m programme to improve Putney Station has entered its final stages almost three years after Spencer Rail began the works.
Since the start of the project, Spencer Rail has been working on site to install three new lifts, expand the concourse area, build new ticket gates and install new toilets.
Ahead of an expected completion date in the summer, Spencer is now making the final touches to the station.
The most recent works to be completed are:
- Completion of lighting in new concourse and on Platform 4
- Installation of all lifts – lifts cannot be brought back into use until the new power supply is installed (Network Rail operation) and the Train Operating Company (TOC) gives the go ahead. This has to be co-ordinated with other Access for All schemes to prevent passengers with wheelchairs or pushchairs getting on at one station then not being able to get out of another station
- Installation of new lintel on the concourse prior to the removal of supporting columns of brickworks – a key feature of the scheme to open up more are in the concourse
- Completion of blockwork for the new toilets
Network Rail has informed Spencer that extra works could be needed at the station, which could push the completion date to later in the year.
The redevelopment is being funded under the Department for Transport’s Access for All initiative with the primary objective of the works to provide step-free access from the ticket office and concourse to the platforms at the station for all passengers, in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 2005.
As part of the work, a dispersal bridge has been installed which spans all tracks and includes three new lift shafts and staircases.
A 16-person lift now goes to each platform – platforms two and three will share the same lift. In addition, there are alterations to communications and passenger information systems and extensive new lighting, and there will be two new public toilets and one for staff.
The concourse now has a masonry and glazed façade and all structures are covered by metal profiled sheet roofing.
It has been increased in size by removing the existing rear wall (the east face) and extending the floor space by approximately 14 metres to the rear of the building.
This has made room for the gate-line to be moved away from the front entrance, thereby improving passenger flow at busy periods.
There have also been significant alterations at platform level as well.
