The adorable Paddington Bear statue was temporarily moved from its position under the clock arch when the Elizabeth line opened earlier in the year. The move was carried out for safety reasons due to its former home now being an evacuation route. 

Owned by the Paddington Bear shop in The Lawn at London Paddington station, the popular statue is a well-loved attraction, visited by families and fans from the UK and around the world over many years. 

TV presenter and journalist Martin Roberts has backed calls for the statue to be moved closer to its original home. Network Rail‘s station team have now found a new location for the treasured statue in a fitting spot next to the clock on Platform 1, the news of which caused much delight amongst Paddington Bear’s loyal fans. 

Further plans are also underway to move the Paddington Bear statue to an even better location at the station with a permanent home closer to the main station concourse. 

Susan Evans, Network Rail’s Head of Stations and Passenger Experience, said: “We are pleased to have found our beloved Paddington Bear statue a new, temporary spot pride of place next to the clock on Platform 1 following Martin’s passionate approach to us to find the statue an alternative position.

“The Paddington Bear statue is synonymous with our London Paddington station and we are working on identifying a new prominent permanent position for him nearer to the main station concourse. This will undoubtedly be welcome news to the many Paddington Bear supporters as well as enhancing the experience of our passengers, particularly those with young children. We look forward to providing an update on these plans in due course.”

Martin Roberts said: “For years I’ve made a point of saying ‘Hello!’ to Paddington whenever I’ve passed through the station. I was horrified when I discovered the location he’d been moved to – by the side of a cafe in an area used for smoking. And although I learned it was only temporary it was still a terrible spot for the thousands of people who come to visit to enjoy their moments with this special statue to a very special bear.

“I vented my outrage with a ‘hard stare’ on social media, and thousands shared my concerns – including Hugh Bonneville (who played Mr Brown in the Paddington films). Thankfully Network Rail’s station team at London Paddington were brilliant and took action. I’m over the moon to see Paddington back where he belongs and I shall be celebrating with a large marmalade sandwich, of course!”