A six week consultation has begun on the possibility of development above South Kensington tube station to fund station improvements tackling congestion and enhancing access to the station.
TfL say:
An initial scoping study has... shown that the best option would be a lift from a new Thurloe Street entrance into an enlarged ticket hall, as well as new stairs and a lift to the District and Circle line platforms.
A key quote to note from LU however is:
We do not have the money for these improvements without a developer paying for it.
So whilst the arcade and the 'ox-blood' tube station will be conserved, the area above the ticket office will be made available for residential development.
Improved access to the Circle and District line platforms will be welcomed by the Step Free South Ken campaign but the plans do not include step-free access to the Piccadilly Line platforms — although this will be "safeguarded for future provision" — nor do they allow for step free access to the subway which leads to the museums.
TfL are keen to get feedback from local residents and users of the station through this consultation and a public meeting about the proposals will take place at Kensington Town Hall, (Committee Room 3/4), Hornton Street, London, W8 7NX at 19:00 on Wednesday 21 September.
This study, along with information on how to comment on this proposal, or request further details, can be found on TfL’s website. The consultation period will close on 7 October 2011.
General consultation about the draft Accessibility Action Plan is ongoing until the end of October 2011.