A series of upgrades are set to be completed across several east London stations as part of the Crossrail project.

Network Rail has awarded a £20 million contract to VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver the works, which include improvements at both Romford and Ilford stations.


Ilford station will benefit from a new, spacious and bright station building, replacing the existing entrance on Cranbrook Road. This will provide an attractive gateway for Ilford incorporating an improved ticket hall and new lifts delivering step-free access from street-level to the station platforms.

At Romford, work will include construction of a new entrance onto The Battis walkway and a better ticket hall, providing improved passenger circulation from the entrance to the platforms. New lifts will provide step-free access to platforms 3, 4 and 5. 



The main construction works at Ilford are due to commence at the end of 2019 and expected to be complete by the end of 2020. The construction programme for Romford will be finalised later this autumn.


Colin Prime, Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor said: "This contract award to VolkerFitzpatrick will enable us to forge ahead and complete the long-awaited upgrades at these two stations. This work will deliver significant benefits, providing a better overall journey experience for passengers. This represents the final hurdle to deliver the Crossrail eastern stations programme and a significant milestone for our contribution to this huge project."

Mike Evans, VolkerFitzpatrick project director, added: "After carrying out the preliminary works at Ilford and Romford stations, we are delighted to have been awarded the contract for main construction phase. We look forward to working with our client, in delivering these station upgrades."

(CM/MH)