- TfL intends to award design and build contract to Costain through recently awarded Infrastructure Improvement Framework
- Works will improve the passenger experience by upgrading station capacity and enabling step-free access throughout the station
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has received notification from Transport for London (TfL) that it intends to award a design and build contract to deliver transformative upgrades to South Kensington Tube station. The news continues momentum following Costain's recent selection to TfL's £700m Infrastructure Improvement Framework.
South Kensington station is used by tens of millions of customers every year and serves many museums including the Natural History Museum, as well as specialist hospitals and leading universities such as Imperial College London.
Costain is set to deliver the detailed design and construction work for the station improvements. These include providing step-free access throughout the station, including to all platforms, the ticket hall, and the subway that links the stations to nearby museums. In addition, a new dedicated eastbound platform for the Circle and District line will be brought into customer use and the station's heritage features on the platforms will be restored.
Once complete, the station improvements will significantly increase station capacity, tackle overcrowding and greatly improve access for wheelchair users, customers with buggies and other passengers with mobility needs.
Costain’s team of engineers will draw on its extensive cross-sector experience managing and delivering complex transportation infrastructure programmes. It is a long-term partner to TfL, having successfully refurbished the A40 Westway and is delivering detailed design works at Brent Cross Interchange.
Costain will work with TfL alongside a joint venture between Native Land and Places for London, who will deliver around station developments in the surrounding buildings. Works will begin on site later this year and are due to be completed by 2031, which is also the 150th anniversary of the nearby Natural History Museum.
“Since being selected to Transport for London’s Infrastructure Improvement Framework, we’ve worked hard to support early-stage planning and mobilisation for the planned major infrastructure upgrades across the capital, bringing our engineering led solutions to the table to ensure predictable delivery.
Alistair Geddes Rail Sector Director, Costain
“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.”
“I’m delighted that our plans to transform the internationally important South Kensington station are fully progressing. Awarding the contract to Costain means that, working closely with Native Land and Places for London - our wholly-owned property company - we can deliver step-free access here for the first time, as well as provide improved space for businesses. It will also see the delivery of new homes, including on-site affordable housing, and radically improve the station for the millions of people who travel through or live in and around South Kensington.”
Andy Lord Commissioner, Transport for London
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