Stratford station is the fastest-growing station in the UK, with 128 million total passenger movements in 2019 – up from 40 million in 2006. Transport for London (TfL) predicts that passenger numbers will increase by a further 60% by 2041.
The London Assembly believes that Stratford station is overcrowded and that short-term measures such as temporary closures or one-way passenger systems are undesirable and inconvenient for passengers.
Because of this, it has today agreed a motion supporting the anticipated Strategic Outline Business Case for the long-term redevelopment of Stratford station and the surrounding area and calls on the Mayor do all in his power to support this project.
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“The redevelopment of Stratford station is vital for the future growth of East London as well as the region as a whole.
“If the population growth in East London is to also drive economic growth and improved prosperity for local communities, we must ensure the infrastructure is there to support that growth.
“The Mayor needs to make sure that he fully supports the redevelopment of Stratford Station along with the surrounding areas and I’m pleased that the London Assembly has backed this motion to call on him to do so.”
Unmesh Desai AM, who seconded the motion, said:
“Stratford has the 5th busiest rail station, 6th busiest tube station and the busiest bus station in London and the number of passengers continues to grow, now the Elizabeth Line is fully open.
“Stratford is a smaller station than other busy stations like Waterloo and London Bridge, and as the population in this area has increased, the station has become overcrowded.
“I welcome the work of the Mayor of London and Newham Council to improve matters, including a new entrance to the station from the Carpenters Estate.
“I’m looking forward to seeing an improved Stratford station, which will be of huge benefit to East London.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes the incredible growth of east London, which has seen 210,000 new homes and 350,000 jobs created since 2001, making it the fastest growing part of the UK.
This Assembly notes that this growth will continue, with a further 40,000 jobs and 33,000 homes being delivered across the London Legacy Development Corporation’s wider area by 2036, in addition to East Bank, a world-class cultural and education district.
This Assembly notes that Stratford station is the fastest-growing station in the UK, with 128 million total passenger movements in 2019 (the most recent aggregate figure for all passengers using the station), up from 40 million in 2006, and that TfL predicts that passenger numbers will increase by a further 60% by 2041.
This Assembly believes that Stratford station is overcrowded and that short-term measures such as temporary closures or one-way passenger systems are undesirable and inconvenient for passengers.
This Assembly believes that a transformative redevelopment of Stratford station and the surrounding area is necessary, and that this will support the full benefits of future economic growth while improving customer experiences.
This Assembly therefore supports the anticipated Strategic Outline Business Case for the long-term redevelopment of Stratford station and the surrounding area, and calls on the Mayor do all in his power to support this vital project.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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