Construction will start in earnest in summer 2013. Confirmation of this follows full planning consent for Network Rail’s proposal for the station rebuild. The project will enable passenger throughput to increase from 55m a year currently to more than 90m a year on completion in 2018.
The station will be rebuilt in nine phases of work, while remaining operational throughout
The plans are part of the second stage of the £6bn Thameslink programme to increase capacity on London’s rail network, and allow more services to travel to and through the capital.
Network Rail chief executive David Higgins said: “Our work will see the transformation of one of London’s oldest and highly congested railway terminus. The London Bridge project is a critical part of the £6bn Thameslink Programme. It is only by remodelling London Bridge station that we can allow the new fleet of 12-car trains to operate at a metro-frequency on the Thameslink route. The project will also cover over 46 miles of new track laid in the 4.3 mile approach to the station.
“As well as bringing a better rail service to Southwark, we hope that the construction programme itself will help support the local community. How we build is as important as what we build and we are committed to a number of schemes such as local employment, supply chains and community engagement as well as setting up a workplace diversity and inclusion plan.”
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