Plans have been submitted to sensitively repair and enhance South Kensington Tube station buildings and the surrounding streets
Native Land and Transport for London (TfL) has submitted plans to repair and enhance South Kensington Tube station buildings and the surrounding streets, providing new homes, workspace and shops.
Plans also cover the completion of step-free access to the Circle & District lines.
The proposals, developed in partnership with Transport for London (TfL) and designed by architect Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, follow extensive consultation with local residents and other key stakeholders.
The detailed planning application will be available on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s planning and building control portal.
South Kensington Tube station plans have been carefully considered in order to respect, and respond to, the unique and important heritage of the area, with historic building specialist Julian Harrap Architects working on heritage elements of the scheme.
The South Kensington Tube station plans aim to:
- Sensitively repair and enhance the Grade-II listed South Kensington station, restoring the historic arcade and providing new retail opportunities
- Incorporate 50 homes around the station, including 35% on-site affordable
- Develop a four-storey building at the front of the station, referred to as ‘The Bullnose’ that will give the station an enhanced presence at the heart of South Kensington
- Provide a new station entrance on Thurloe Street
- Provide step free access to the ticket hall and completing the delivery of step free access to the Circle and District line platforms as well as providing better accessibility into the subway from the station.
- Complement TfL’s separate station enhancement plans that received listed building consent from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 2018.
Native Land was selected by TfL as its development partner in 2018 for the redevelopment of the land and buildings around South Kensington Station.
Respecting the unique historical context
Alasdair Nicholls, chief executive Native Land, said: “Our proposals will provide contemporary architecture of the highest quality that respects its unique historical context, providing new homes, including 35% affordable housing, and a contemporary range of shops, restaurants and workspaces.
“We have listened carefully to feedback on our plans and believe this is a considered scheme that responds sensitively to its context. It will help bring a renewed sense of place to South Kensington, befitting its status as the gateway to London’s internationally renowned museum and cultural quarter.”
Scott Anderson, senior property development manager at Transport for London, commented: “The proposals to enhance South Kensington, which build on extensive consultations, embrace the unique and historic setting as well as the station’s role as a gateway to some of the most important and treasured cultural institutions in the world.
“The development will protect the heritage of the Tube station and provide new affordable homes as well as upgraded retail opportunities and commercial space, while generating vital revenue to reinvest in the transport network.”
Tracy Meller, partner at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, added: “These proposals build on the existing legacy of refined architecture in the area and provide for buildings of a scale, massing and carefully considered design that are sympathetic to the surrounding townscape.
“We have carefully studied the historic context of the station and surrounding area and our designs aim to repair and enhance the streetscape, which is no longer in its best condition following the development of the railway over the past century and a half.
“This is a unique opportunity to enhance the area around South Kensington Tube station to serve both the immediate community, but also the millions of visitors who enjoy London’s world-renowned museum and cultural quarter.”
