South Kensington Station Is Getting A Revamp... And It Involves A 'Bullnose' Building

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 58 months ago
South Kensington Station Is Getting A Revamp... And It Involves A 'Bullnose' Building

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The Bullnose and new station entrance on Thurloe Street. © Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

TfL has released images of how South Kensington station will look, following major redevelopment.

'The Bullnose' is the prominent architectural feature around the Grade II listed station, in works to be carried out between TfL, Native Land and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

Overview of the proposed development. © Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

Inspired by its shape, the name 'Bullnose' is not the most comely — and depending on your architectural inclination, perhaps the building itself isn't what you'd call a looker.

The Bullnose in relation to neighbouring buildings. © Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners

There's a reason for the shape, explains TfL:

[The Bullnose is] informed by the initial 19th century vision for the site, which structural drawings show was originally designed to accommodate several floors. The proposed building will be contemporary in style, but sympathetic to its context, mirroring the distinct curved shape of the Bullnose and utilising the iconic signage from above the arcade entrance across the new retail units.

Anyway, the redevelopment will include 40 additional homes, new shops, restaurants and workspaces. Step-free station access to the ticket hall and District and Circle line platforms will be also available via a new entrance on Thurloe Street.

© WestonWilliamson+Partners

Images of a revamp inside the station — to be carried out by WestonWilliamson+Partners — have previously been released.

© Weston Williamson+Partners

The plans include rebuilding a new eastbound District and Circle line platform, and expanding the currently-cramped ticket hall (a relief to anyone who's had the misfortune of facing South Ken during peak museum hours). Works on the inside of the station are due to start this year.

Last Updated 22 May 2019