Building begins on Shepherds Bush station
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
17/06/2008
There is light at the end of the tunnel for local residents now that workers have finally begun fixing the problem platform at Shepherds Bush over-ground train station.
Work on widening the northern platform is going to plan and is expected to be completed in time for the opening of the new Westfield shopping development in October. A spokeswoman for Westfield, which is carrying out the project, said that ‘work is underway and progressing well’.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council learned last November that the opening of the new station would be delayed when, at the eleventh hour, rail experts said the platform was 18 inches too narrow for the number of people expected to use the station.
Frustrated local residents and workers could do nothing but look on as the Shepherds Bush Central Line underground station closed for a massive overhaul in February, with no sign of the new train station as an alternative link.
Deputy Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, Councillor Nicholas Botterill, said: “We have been calling for action on the over-ground station for months but now that it is back on track, we can look forward to the autumn when it will become clear how excellent these transport links are for Shepherds Bush residents.”
Builders have been moving a huge retaining wall and widening the northbound platform by just over a foot so that it will more than meet rail requirements.
The new over-ground station is part of a package of transport improvements to the area which includes a new underground station – called Wood Lane – on the Hammersmith & City Line, a new bus depot and complete refurbishment of the Shepherds Bush Central Line tube station.
As well as relieving pressure on the creaking transport system locally, the new links will also help ferry eager shoppers to the Westfield shopping and leisure complex.
Cllr Botterill added: “The regeneration of Shepherds Bush, with the White City opportunity area and the Westfield centre, is central to our plans in creating a borough of opportunity.
“The new transport links, including this station, will have a positive impact for everyone and will reinvigorate this part west London.”
