Liverpool Street Station: Griff Rhys Jones slams ‘insensitive’ proposal as plans open to public for first time

Griff Rhys Jones has renewed calls for donations to fight controversial plans to redevelop Liverpool Street Station, as the full details of the application are unveiled to the public for the first time.

Compiled by Sellar - the developer behind The Shard - along with National Rail and MTR, the plans were submitted to the City of London in May.

Due to the complexity of the proposed works, the application has only now been validated by officers and published, with hundreds of documents uploaded for public viewing.

Sellar claims the plans are key to transforming it into a world-class, accessible hub. They include an expansion of the station to tackle issues of overcrowding and a new 20-storey tower above the Victorian-era Grade-II listed landmark and Andaz Hotel.

A spokesperson for the developer pointed to a range of public amenities due to be delivered if the application is approved.

These include the creation of more than 1.5 acres of public realm, the pedestrianisation of Liverpool Street, and a new public rooftop garden, with a 25 metre lido open to be booked by local schools and visitors.

Critics, notably the Liverpool Street Station Campaign (LISSCA), a coalition of heritage groups which originally formed in the 1970s to oppose plans to demolish and rebuild the station, however say the work will set a precedent as to how similar heritage sites are treated in the future.

Griff Rhys Jones, the Welsh comedian and TV presenter who is the president of the LISSCA campaign and the Victorian Society, said: “It is unacceptable that Network Rail has ignored the 22,363 people who have signed the petition against the plans and the experts in the heritage and architecture sectors who say not to do this. These plans are insensitive, unnecessary and traduce a famous gateway to London, a listed working part of our history. 

“I know all the heritage bodies combined are appalled by the precedent it would set. It must be rejected. We will fight to ensure that it is. I urge the public to donate to our fundraiser to ensure we can match the developer’s deep pockets.”

The LISSCA is expected to ask levelling up secretary Michael Gove to call in the plans and hold a public inquiry.

James Sellar, chief executive at Sellar, said: “The upgrades to Liverpool Street station are essential in helping London maintain its status as a world-class city and encourage people back to the capital by significantly improving the experience for the station’s millions of users and commuters. 

“The plans will create one of the most sustainable destinations in the Square Mile, including a rooftop garden and City Lido, both accessible to the public. 

“The office, hotel and leisure components above the station will be designed with the highest environmental and wellness credentials and will enable the £450 million of vital station upgrades at no cost to passengers or the taxpayer.”

To view the plans, visit the City of London planning portal and input the reference 23/00453/FULEIA.