Plans to transform Surrey Quays station to make it more accessible and help improve journeys for customers moved a step closer as the main works contractor has been appointed. Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will be the main delivery partner of this major improvement.

The improvements will see a second station entrance built on the north side of Lower Road that will provide more direct access to a nearby new development and the existing shopping centre at Canada Water. This brand new entrance will feature a new spacious ticket hall, along with a new gateline that is expected to welcome 60 per cent of customers using the station. This will ease congestion at the busiest times at the existing entrance located on the south side of Lower Road.

A new customer bridge with stairs leading to platforms will provide relief to the existing narrow staircases, which suffer from congestion at peak times. Step-free access will for the first time be provided to both platforms via two new lifts, helping those who are mobility impaired and parents with pushchairs.

The development of Surrey Quays station is part of a wider programme of improvements for this London Overground route, which will help unlock 14,000 new homes. This project is funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as part of its Housing Infrastructure Programme with a contribution from British Land, the developer of the Canada Water Masterplan Development.

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure was selected from the London Rail Infrastructure Improvement Framework following a competitive process participated by the framework suppliers.

Simon Smith, managing director for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said: "We're really pleased to be working with TfL once again following our recent successful project to deliver the new London Overground station at Barking Riverside.

"We believe in leaving a lasting legacy for the communities we work in, and the Surrey Quays project will bring great benefits for customers and the local area. We look forward to working with TfL to improve accessibility and create opportunities in the wider community."

David Rowe, TfL's Director of Delivery Planning, said: "Surrey Quays station is set for a radical transformation that will make life easier and more comfortable for customers. New lifts will make it more accessible for everyone, and the new entrance will provide better connections with the local area. This work will support the new homes and jobs being created in Canada Water, helping the area to grow and recover from the pandemic."

Miles Price, Planning Director at British Land, said: "Having improved, and most importantly accessible, connectivity to the trains running through Surrey Quays station will help to alleviate pressure of nearby Canada Water station, and provide the community a much-needed boost to transport options locally. With our development providing new offices, retail and leisure facilities over the next ten years, in turn drawing more people to an exciting mixed-use destination, now is great timing to ensure both stations can effectively manage new capacity levels."