The tunnels will link the new station box to the existing Northern Line platforms and overbridge. The project will increase the London Underground’s station by more than 30% and meet the increase in demand for services from the station, which is expected to rise by 25-40% by 2041.
Work on excavating approximately 135m of new passenger tunnels will start next year and is due to be completed in 2027.
The first stage of the major upgrade, which includes the tunnelling, is funded by the Greater London Authority, London Borough of Southwark and contributions from local developers.
Stage 1 started in January 2022 with construction of the station box. Excavation to the lowest level – 33m below ground – was achieved in March this year. The box will house the new Northern Line entrance and ticket hall, and support a new oversite development, including the new campus for UAL’s London College of Communication.
Stage 2 involves the box fit-out to enable the larger Northern Line entrance and ticket hall, with step-free access, to be brought into use.
It will be integrated with the Elephant & Castle shopping centre redevelopment currently under construction and replace the existing Northern Line entrance and ticket hall, which will be decommissioned.
Stage 2 is subject to funding approval.
The new entrance and ticket hall are also designed to support the proposed Bakerloo Line Extension to Lewisham, which is currently unfunded.
Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance said the upgrade would provide step-free access at the station for the first time and also support the delivery of thousands of new jobs and new homes in Elephant and Castle.
