London Underground has applied for planning permission to bring major improvements to Green Park Tube station in time for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

If successful, London Underground will provide full step-free access from street to platform level to benefit mobility impaired passengers, customers with pushchairs and people with heavy luggage.

Work would be completed in 2011.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "I am determined for every resident and visitor to this city, whether able bodied or with disability, to be able to use public transport safely and easily.

"I have just appointed the legendary Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to the board of Transport for London and I know that she will be delighted to hear of our plans to make Green Park and many more of London's Tube stations step-free."


London Underground will also be working with Westminster City Council and The Royal Parks to improve the public space around the station which would open up views into the park directly from Piccadilly.

The improvements would provide a larger Piccadilly south side station entrance and direct access from the park.

A modern sheltered paved area on Piccadilly would also be constructed, with a canopy providing cover for passengers waiting for buses and those using the lift.

Richard Parry, Director of Strategy and Service Development for London Underground, said: "Making Green Park Tube station fully accessible for mobility impaired passengers, customers with pushchairs and heavy luggage and older people is part of London Underground's transformation programme to provide a world class transport system.

"We are working closely with Westminster City Council and The Royal Parks to improve the area around the station - these changes will create a better public space for all those who work, visit or live near Green Park."

(CD/JM)