Costain set to deliver South Kensington Tube station upgrade

Transport for London (TfL) is set to appoint Costain to deliver the transformation of South Kensington Tube station, with enabling works due to begin before the end of the year.

image: TfL

The proposed design and build contract, being let through TfL’s Infrastructure Improvement Framework, will cover detailed design and construction of the station improvements. The scheme will provide step-free access to the Circle, District and Piccadilly line platforms, as well as the ticket hall and the subway linking the station with nearby museums.

A new accessible entrance will be created on Thurloe Street, using an existing retail unit. Initial enabling works at the site are expected to take around eight weeks, after which the unit will be secured ahead of the main construction works.

The project will also bring a new dedicated eastbound platform for Circle and District line services into use and restore heritage features on the two lines' platforms. TfL said the works are intended to increase station capacity and address existing overcrowding.

The station works will be coordinated with a separate development around the station being delivered by a joint venture between Native Land and Places for London, TfL’s property company. The wider development has planning permission and includes 50 homes, including affordable housing, as well as retail and office space and improvements to the public realm.

The station project is being funded through TfL’s business plan, with a £12m contribution from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and a separate contribution from the 1851 Commission.

TfL expects the transformation to be completed by 2031. The station currently serves the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Science Museum, as well as Imperial College London and hospitals in the surrounding area.