The upgrade includes construction of a new station building and ticket office and the installation of two new lifts for step-free access between the station entrance and platforms. The existing stairways will also be refurbished to make them easier to use and canopies along both platforms will be extended so passengers can wait under cover during bad weather.
The project is funded by £4.9m from Lewisham Council and £2m from the Departmetn for Transport’s national stations improvement programme. The work is expected to be completed by spring 2012.
VolkerFitzpatrick contracts manager Jim Munro said: “The new, modern entrance will significantly improve accessibility for local residents and visitors, whilst the sensitive restoration of the arches and carriage ramp, which date back to the 1830’s, will also ensure the station retains some of its rich history.”.
Dave Ward, Network Rail’s route director for Kent, said: “Providing easier access and better facilities at stations is a vital part of building a bigger and better railway to better meet the needs of passengers and businesses. The improvements to Deptford will bring long-lasting benefits for the passengers who use it for more than 700,000 journeys every day.”
Alan Smith, deputy mayor and cabinet member for regeneration at Lewisham Council, said: “The new railway station is a key element in our plans for Deptford’s regeneration. The idea is not only to update and upgrade the station for the benefit of local residents and businesses but also to create an excellent first impression for people visiting this increasingly attractive part of the borough.
“We plan to install lifts, glass facades, improve lighting and extend canopies to provide better protection from the weather. The station will lead onto a new public space created on the site of the currently-derelict station yard off Deptford High Street. This will allow access to the Victorian railway arches which will be converted to provide studio space for local artists.”
Local MP Joan Ruddock said: “After years of complaints from residents I set up a Deptford Station roundtable to bring all the rail operators, developers and council together. After a decade of campaigning it’s happening at last.”
The station and key facilities will remain open to passengers throughout the work.
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