Peckham Rye station in south London is to receive a major improvement after Network Rail received formal Planning Consent for its proposals for a complete upgrade with improved accessibility.

A new station concourse will be built at ground level with new lifts and stair access to all platforms, accessible toilets, wider platforms and additional gate lines, and an entrance from Dovedale Court. The changes will improve passenger experience and safety, especially for people with wheelchairs, pushchairs, and luggage.

Early next year Network Rail will submit an Outline Business Case and a request for £40m funding for the next Detailed Design stage that it hopes to complete by summer 2025.

Network Rail will then work with Department for Transport (DfT) to produce a Final Business Case and a request for funding so that construction can begin in autumn 2025, which should take about two years.

Earlier this year by Network Rail restored the Grade II listed station including cleaning external brickwork cleaned, renovating the station roof, and opening up a disused waiting room to create more space for passengers.

Further information about the station project can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/peckhamrye

Andrew Wood, Network Rail’s senior commercial scheme sponsor, said: “I’m delighted we have received formal Planning Consent which will ultimately allow us to build the proposed scheme to continue improving Peckham Rye station.

“Peckham Rye is the busiest interchange in the UK that isn’t fully accessible. Our proposals will rectify this and provide passengers with a welcoming and fully accessible station that is fit for purpose while retaining the heritage features of this fantastic Grade II listed station.

“We are working closely with our partners – Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Southwark Council in particular – to ensure our proposals support their ambitions and any future development plans within and outside the station.”

Keith Jipps, Govia Thameslink Railway’s infrastructure director, commented: “We’re working constantly to remove barriers to make our services more accessible for everyone, so we’re delighted that Peckham Rye’s major improvement scheme has secured outline permission. We’ll now help Network Rail and Southwark Council develop the best detailed design for our customers and the local community.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for new homes & sustainable development, said: “The station transformation is essential for Peckham town centre, and we are delighted that it’s moving forward. It will provide modern facilities for residents and visitors alike and importantly access for all. Once funded, this will complement the council’s own project to create a new vibrant station square and open up the beautiful Grade II listed building. The first phase of that work is now complete on Blenheim Grove and we expect the second phase to commence towards the end of next year.”