Work is continuing on a £25 million upgrade project at Hackney Wick station in London.

The scheme is on schedule to complete installing a 2,000-tonne subway by this Easter.

The concrete structure has already been built on land to the north side of the station. Track and platforms will be removed between 14 – 17 April with the subway being driven into place on rollers. The track and platforms will then be replaced over the new subway.

Overall, the £25m improvement will transform Hackney Wick station and deliver major improvements for Londoners and businesses in the surrounding area.

The subway will provide ground level north to south access beneath the existing railway line, and replace the footbridge which was taken out in early February. Once installed, further work will be carried out to install an illuminated glass wall through the subway. Other features include a new entrance and ticket hall, as well as new stairs and two new lifts to improve access to the revamped station.

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Tower Hamlets Council and Hackney Council have both contributed £1m towards the refurbishment of the station, which is expected to generate opportunities including new jobs, investment and affordable housing.

Richard Schofield, Network Rail's route managing director for Anglia, said: "The installation of this subway will mark an important milestone in this project to improve the facilities and access at this busy London station. When complete next year, the new station will offer improved facilities and support the regeneration of the area as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

David Goldstone, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, added: "Improving connections in Hackney Wick is vital to support the regeneration of the area and is a key feature of the Hackney Wick masterplan.

"The new subway will help to open up the area for local people and support the businesses that are moving here. The much needed improvements to the station come just as new homes start to be built in Hackney and Tower Hamlets and more jobs are created at Here East and in the surrounding area."

The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2018.

(LM/MH)