Public spaces outside Crossrail stations will be made safer, more attractive and pedestrian friendly after Crossrail announced it has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding with local authorities, Transport for London and Network Rail.

18 local authorities along the Crossrail route, along with Transport for London, the London Development Agency, Network Rail and the Department for Transport, have finalised the Memorandum, which aims to make improvements outside stations that reflect a local area's characteristics and needs.

When it opens, Crossrail will be the largest addition to the transport network in London and the South East for 50 years and will help an extra 1.5 million people to access London's major employment centres.

Crossrail stations will act as a catalyst for economic growth and improvements along the route and will influence the future movement of traffic and people. Around every station Crossrail's urban design team, working with the local authority, will work to create new and improved public spaces that integrate with existing transport services.

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Sam Richards, Crossrail's Head of Urban Integration said: "Crossrail delivers a unique opportunity to facilitate and drive wider regeneration at a number of locations including Paddington, the West End, Farringdon and Custom House. The new Crossrail stations offer great opportunities to improve public areas at street-level. Crossrail is committed to working with local authorities along the Crossrail route to provide future passengers with improved public spaces outside stations and a superior travel experience that extends to the onward journey - whether it is by bus, cycle or foot."

Graham King, Head of Strategic Planning, Westminster City Council said: "We are keen to ensure that the benefits of Crossrail do not just stop at the station entrance or forecourt but are fully integrated with the wider development plans for individual local authorities to maximise the benefits of this major new railway. This joint commitment between Crossrail and local authorities seeks to ensure that areas around all Crossrail stations will not only be fully accessible and reflect local needs but also aim to stimulate further local regeneration."

(CD/GK)