Peckham Rye station upgrade undertaken by Network Rail

Network Rail have completed a number of improvement works at Peckham Rye station to alleviate congestion and overcrowding.

The modest project includes a wider gate line, new passenger information screens and an upgrade to CCTV.

It’s a far cry from far wider improvements planned for the station planned for many years before this government pulled the plug. Sorry, I mean “paused” indefinitely.

You may not be surprised to hear Network Rail’s press release on the project doesn’t mention that.

Additional gates will help passenger flow as anyone who uses the station can tell you, it becomes incredibly congested at busy times. Still, what’s been installed isn’t transformative.

No step-free access

The station is the busiest in the country without step-free access. The prior larger project in motion before being scrapped under this government in July 2025 included a new entrance, new lifts, wider platforms, larger passageways, new toilets, a bigger entrance and two gate lines.

Further work will be undertaken into 2027. Whilst welcome it’s not what has long been proposed.

Certain elements will appear such as platform works.

Outside work

It should be noted that station works are separate to external changes currently underway which will see a new concourse opening up the attractive station and providing more spaces for passenger entering or leaving the station.

Like many projects even that has seen glacial progress. It’s ten years since it was approved.

The project is expected to complete in autumn 2027.

Andrew Wood, Network Rail’s Senior Commercial Scheme Sponsor said of recently completed changes: “These improvements at Peckham Rye will make a real difference for passengers, creating more space, easing congestion and making it quicker and easier to move through the station.

“This is an important step in ensuring the station can manage the growing numbers of passengers using it while also enhancing the user experience.  I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this work.”