Member Article

North Kensington Crossrail station back under consideration

A proposed new Crossrail station in North Kensington is back on the cards after the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea revised its proposals.

The potential station at Kensal Gasworks, off Ladbroke Grove, was originally rejected as a possible site in 2013 after Transport for London deemed it unfeasible.

Plans have now been resurrected after the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson’s claim that a station at the site could unlock regeneration in one of the capital’s most deprived areas and lead to the delivery of 5,000 new homes and 2,000 jobs.

Parts of the new Crossrail rail network, which is to be named the Elizabeth line in honour of the Queen, are due to begin service next year.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “We have seen across London how Crossrail is transforming vast swathes of land and acting as a catalyst for much needed new homes and jobs.

“By looking again at the options for this station we firmly believe that it could have a similar impact, triggering a much-needed fillip for this part of the capital. We are now delving into the detail to see just what may be possible in North Kensington to ensure it does not miss out on the much-needed regeneration Crossrail will bring.”

The Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Cllr Nicholas Paget-Brown commented: “For a while it did seem our hopes for Portobello Crossrail had been dashed, but the Mayor, Network Rail, and we on the Council, are determined to achieve the optimum benefit from Crossrail.

“I am extremely grateful to the Mayor and to Network Rail for keeping channels open, and am delighted that it now looks as though Royal Borough residents can look forward to riding on the Elizabeth Line in the years ahead.”