The interior at Romford station has undergone a complete refurbishment creating more circulation space and improved access to the station via the brand new northern entrance from The Battis.

The stations existing entrances under the rail bridge have also seen an upgrade and now provide a better experience for customers entering the station.

The work has been completed as part of Network Rail‘s Crossrail programme which has seen current surface level stations served by the Elizabeth line upgraded.

Romford features a staffed ticket office which was originally on the mezzanine level but can now be found on the ground floor, giving much better access to ticketing services and customer information which provides an overall improvement in how the station operates.

The installation of new lifts has also created easier access from street level to the mezzanine alongside platforms 3, 4 and 5 in order to improve access for those travelling on the Elizabeth line, alongside existing ramps to every platform. The work comes as part of an initiative to put step-free access in place for passengers at all 41 of the Elizabeth line stations, this also includes current surface stations in both east and west London.

Network Rail has worked alongside its contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick to carry out the work at the station during the pandemic and was able to keep it operational and safe for passengers travelling on Transport for London and Greater Anglia services.

As part of the trail-blazing Elizabeth line which saw its new central section through London open in May, Romford station will see services run directly to central London from Sunday the 6th of November.

Under Secretary of State for Transport, Baroness Vere said: “We remain committed to a fully accessible Elizabeth line and our £2.9 billion investment to improve the line and stations across the route plays a vital role in achieving just this.

“These upgrades at Romford station form part of our promise to make travel easier, more comfortable, and more accessible for millions of passengers, boosting connectivity across London and the South East”

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “It is great news that the upgrades to Romford station, which serves the brand-new Elizabeth line, have now been completed. I’m grateful to all those who worked throughout the pandemic on this refurbishment project. From today, passengers will benefit from new lifts and improved access to ticketing services and customer information.

“This upgrade demonstrates how investment in public transport helps improve and increase sustainable travel options. The new and improved Romford station will help even more people enjoy the transformational Elizabeth line, make journeys easier and more pleasant for commuters. Encouraging people back on to trains is a crucial part of supporting our economic recovery.”

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “I’m so proud of everyone that has worked all the way through the pandemic to complete this essential improvement work at Romford station while keeping the station open and safe for passengers.

“The internal upgrades, together with new lifts will make the station experience much better for all passengers travelling across London on the transformational service that is the Elizabeth line.”

Howard Smith, TfL’s Director of the Elizabeth line, said: “It is great to see the new lifts and improved ticket hall now in operation at Romford station for our customers. With works also expected to complete at Ilford station very soon, the Elizabeth line will have step-free access provided at all stations, providing new journey options and unlocking new areas of London.”

Mark Taylor, contracts manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “The team has done a fantastic job delivering the refurbished Romford station for the new Elizabeth line. Despite the difficulties that the pandemic presented, the team pulled together and worked efficiently, safely, and collaboratively. The team is proud to be part of a project that is providing better connectivity and inclusivity for passengers.”