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Wandsworth Council is set to spend £7.1 million to install a second entrance and lifts at a crowded train station. Works to add a second entrance to the north side of Wandsworth Town Station and build three lifts to deliver step-free access to its four platforms are due to begin next year. Council officers have recommended the cabinet approve plans to add £1.2 million to its budget, funded by developer contributions, to allow Network Rail to carry out both schemes. The council will fully fund the new entrance, with the works totalling £4.4 million, while it will contribute up to £2.7 million for the new lifts to be installed to deliver step-free access to each of the station’s four platforms. A new report by officers said the council regularly receives complaints about overcrowding on trains at the station, which is made worse by its layout causing congestion at the ticket barrier, in the tunnel and on the platforms. Residents have also expressed concerns about an influx of new homes in the area placing more strain on the station. The report said: “The proposed investment in Wandsworth Town Station would deliver significant benefits and long-term value to our residents and visitors to the borough. The station is many people’s first impression of Wandsworth. “The improvement of it, together with the nearby developments and improvement of Old York Road, would positively and confidently help announce Wandsworth.” It added: “The proposed works would result in a station able to be used far more easily by those with mobility problems and would assist independent travel. Given current levels of station usage and the proportion of residents with some form of mobility impairment, many thousands of additional journeys could be made. “The lifts would also be of major benefit to those with children (particularly with buggies) and heavy luggage.” The council’s cabinet will make a decision on whether to approve adding £1.1 million to its budget to allow the schemes to proceed on November 4.
