Could Greenwich station see a new entrance and housing?
Greenwich Council’s latest plan setting out potential development sites across the borough includes an intriguing idea that’s been raised before on this site.
Could Greenwich station see a new entrance and housing via construction on land beside the Kent-bound platform?
For years an empty plot has sat there which was used a long time back by Network Rail for storage. Both before and after that short period its been vacant land. Beside that is a winding path leading from street level to the platform alongside steps.
According to the council’s recently unveiled draft Local Plan these could accommodate 120 homes in buildings up to 12 storeys.
It seems a site ripe for better usage though that does mean working with Network Rail who never seem the most pro-active at using surplus or vacant land for development. Network Rail and Southeastern have now joined forces as one organisation under single management in advance of Great British Rail.
Gating the station
Building a new building incorporating housing could also allow a new entrance to the station via the structure.
Given how busy the station is it could be that Network Rail, Southeastern and TfL work together to add ticket gates. It’s made trickier by the sheer number of entrances and exits with a tunnel beneath platforms at the western end.
To the north the tunnel’s exit and entrance could be incorporated into any new build scheme, though that does leave the other side of the station to be resolved.
In total three separate areas would require ticket gates and staffing. Given how busy the station can be – and how many homes are still to be built in the near vicinity – it may be deemed worthwhile. Woolwich Arsenal’s joint Southeastern and TfL station is gated in three locations (though granted one area left open much of the time).
Another issue though is public access. The tunnel/underpass is used to traverse between either side of the station. However Norman Road does also offer an alternative route below the tracks to the west.
Other developments near Greenwich station include Saxon Wharf which could be complete by the end of next year. A student tower just north is set to begin.
Another proposed site of new housing is directly south of Saxon Wharf. That site featuring a potential 270 flats was covered on this site at last week.
Maybe Greenwich station does need a new entrance and step-free access and to relieve the congestion that the station can get so busy. Especially at rush hour that commuters use the DLR, Thameslink and Southeastern metro services.
Makes sense to repurpose the vacant land into housing or commercial, and in general improve the north side of the station given all the new housing being built in that direction. Would like to see the tunnel remain a public way, rather than blocked off.
Most important thing at Greenwich station is to improve the frequency and reliability of trains running through it!
A new entrance at Greenwich station would be ideal to relieve the rush hour congestion and to make the station lot more accessible especially with new apartments being built next to or near to the railway station at Greenwich.