According to IanVisits, work to add step-free access to South Kensington tube station has tentatively begun, although the first lifts are still a long way off. The upgrade is being carried out by Transport for London (TfL), which has awarded the initial design and build contract to Costain.

When finished, new lifts will give step-free routes to the Circle, District and Piccadilly line platforms, the ticket hall and the pedestrian subway that leads to nearby museums. One of the shops on Thurloe Street, next to the station entrance, will be converted into a lift entrance linking the street with the ticket hall and the museum tunnel.

What is happening now

TfL has confirmed that contractors have started minor enabling works in the former retail store. Preliminary tasks include removing the shop front so it can be reused elsewhere, deconstructing the first floor of the shop, and installing temporary steel bracing to protect the building.

This initial stage is expected to last about eight weeks. After that, the unit will stay behind hoardings until the main construction programme starts.

Timeline

According to a recent stakeholder presentation about the related oversite development, the main station works are due to begin in 2028 and are scheduled for full delivery by 2031. The published timeline lists the following steps:

  • 2026: enabling works at 34 Thurloe Street for the future step-free entrance
  • 2027: detailed design for the station capacity upgrade
  • 2029-30: station works continue, with development of nearby phases running in parallel
  • 2031: completion of the station upgrade, including step-free access

Additional capacity

The project will also bring an existing but unused eastbound Circle and District line platform into passenger use. According to the source, separating eastbound and westbound services should give passengers more room and help the station cope with growing demand. A disused staircase on the old platform will also return to use.

Funding

TfL's Business Plan is funding the upgrade. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is contributing £12 million, and the 1851 Commission is providing separate funding.