Transport for London has started hunting for a development partner to help restore and develop South Kensington Tube station.

The organisation is inviting bids from interested parties to create a new joint venture (JV) partnership which will take forward the redevelopment scheme.

Features include providing step-free access to the District and Circle line via a new station entrance on Thurloe Street, as well as step-free access to the pedestrian subway leading to local destinations including the Science Museum, Imperial College, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

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In addition, TfL plans to upgrade commercial and retail units of the station, as well as refurbish the four storey buildings at 20-34 Thurloe Street. A single-storey facility will be developed at the Bullnose building, while new opportunities will be created at a stretch of TfL land on Pelham Street. The site also includes the main station entrances through the Grade II listed shopping arcade, which will be restored to its original state, and a second entrance via a Grade II listed pedestrian subway.

TfL is hoping to secure a JV partner later this year. Subject to planning, the development could be complete in 2022.

Graeme Craig, Director of Commercial Development Director, said: "South Kensington Tube station is one of our busiest stations and also the gateway to some of the most important and treasured cultural institutions anywhere in the world. We want to find a long-term partner with whom we can work to create a station that reflects its historic legacy and unique setting, whilst generating vital revenue to reinvest in transport and provide step-free access for millions of journeys."

(LM/MH)