Stratford station rebuild with up to 2,000 new homes backed by London Assembly

The London Assembly has voted to back anticipated plans to redevelop the UK’s fastest-growing station, amid concerns it has become “overcrowded” due to rocketing passenger figures.

Stratford station, which provides services into central London as well as connections to Stansted airport and locations including Canary Wharf, recorded a total of 128 million customers in 2019, up from 40 million people in 2006.

Transport for London (TfL) predicts numbers will increase by a further 60% by 2041.

A consultation on plans to redevelop the station and the surrounding areas was run by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) in 2022. The project could deliver between 1,000 and 2,000 new homes, up to 10,000 jobs, new shops and amenities.

At a London Assembly meeting on Thursday (June 8), Liberal Democrat member Caroline Pidgeon proposed a motion to back the expected submission. It received unanimous support from the chamber.

Ms Pidgeon said the rate at which east London is growing makes the work on the station essential.

“Overcrowding on platforms and the station subways has led to temporary closures. It will become the norm, if nothing is done,” she said.

Emma Best, a London-wide Conservative member, also referenced how the pace of change was putting additional pressures on the station, which she said made its extension “imperative”.

Ms Pidgeon said: “The redevelopment of Stratford station is vital for the future growth of east London as well as the region as a whole.

“If the population growth in east London is to also drive economic growth and improved prosperity for local communities, we must ensure the infrastructure is there to support that growth.

“The mayor needs to make sure that he fully supports the redevelopment of Stratford station along with the surrounding areas and I’m pleased that the London Assembly has backed this motion to call on him to do so.”

Unmesh Desai, Labour AM for Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Newham and Tower Hamlets, seconded the motion, saying: “Stratford has the fifth busiest rail station, sixth busiest tube station and the busiest bus station in London and the number of passengers continues to grow, now the Elizabeth line is fully open.

“Stratford is a smaller station than other busy stations like Waterloo and London Bridge, and as the population in this area has increased, the station has become overcrowded.

“I welcome the work of the mayor of London and Newham Council to improve matters, including a new entrance to the station from the Carpenters Estate.

“I’m looking forward to seeing an improved Stratford station, which will be of huge benefit to east London.”