Transport for London (TfL) has awarded a multi-million-pound contract to Dragados UK to design and construct new passenger tunnels at Elephant & Castle Tube station. These tunnels will connect the new underground station box with the existing Northern line platforms and overbridge, marking a key step in the station’s major upgrade.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, expressed his support for the progress being made: “I’m delighted TfL has now appointed a tunnelling contractor so work can continue on the vital Elephant and Castle Tube station upgrade, which will give the station step free access for the first time and deliver a new Northern line entrance and ticket hall.”
The upgrade is set to deliver step-free access to the Northern line for the first time, as well as provide a new ticket hall and a much-needed entrance for Northern line passengers. This transformation aims to support long-term growth in the area, accommodating the projected 25-40% increase in demand for services at the station by 2041.
The first stage of the upgrade, which includes tunnelling, is funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Borough of Southwark, and local developers. Work on the new tunnels is expected to begin next year, with completion slated for 2027.
The project is part of a broader effort to redevelop Elephant & Castle, which includes a new campus for the University of the Arts London’s London College of Communication. The upgraded station is intended to support the regeneration of the area, delivering more than 10,000 new jobs and 5,000 new homes—at least 1,650 of which will be affordable.
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: “Work is progressing well on the major upgrade of Elephant & Castle Tube station, with the appointment of a tunnelling contractor a significant step forward in delivering an expanded station fit to serve this growing community for many decades to come. When completed, the new entrance and ticket hall will provide step-free access from street to platform level on the Northern line and increase station capacity by over 30 per cent.
“Further in the future, and subject to TfL securing the necessary funding, the plan is for this new entrance to also serve Bakerloo line customers as part of the planned Bakerloo Line Extension.”
The upgrade also represents the first substantial infrastructure supporting the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension. If funding is secured, the extension could connect Elephant & Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate, unlocking 20,000 homes and creating 10,000 jobs.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, also highlighted the importance of the upgrade: “Elephant and Castle is fast-growing as a busy town centre and popular place to live in Zone 1, which needs a station that can meet increasing demand.
“This new entrance and ticket hall is essential for easier access to the Northern line for residents and visitors, while paving the way for a future extension of the Bakerloo line. It’s really exciting to see major progress on a project that will help transform our city with new homes, jobs, and growth.”
TfL is also progressing plans to extend the Bakerloo line, with the hope that future funding will allow for a new fleet of trains to replace the current 50-year-old models. The extension would improve connectivity, support new homes, and contribute significantly to economic growth across London and the UK.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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