URBAN REALM DESIGN |
Abbey Wood Station Public Realm | Crossrail
The arrival of Crossrail (now the Elizabeth Line) was a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Abbey Wood, ensuring it was a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area and solving numerous issues with the built environment causes by the severance of highways infrastructure and the tracks themselves.
Two pieces of transport infrastructure, the railway line and the Harrow Manor Way flyover, dominated the local environment and obstructed pedestrian movement. Harrow Manor Way even banned pedestrians from using it, with the only connection between lower level rail station and upper level bus station being a series of dark, and uncomfortable switchback ramps.
Urban Movement worked with Crossrail to make the case for increased investment at Abbey Wood so that a new station could stitch back together the urban fabric. The existing station was demolished and a new ticket hall built, elevated above the railway line to connect with the Harrow Manor Way flyover, redesigned by UM as an elevated urban street, inviting pedestrians and cyclists. The new station is now an ‘urban bridge’, providing a direct and accessible link between the areas to the north and south of the station.
The public realm design by UM, supports the function of the station, builds on the natural assets of Abbey Wood, helps to overcome the barriers to movement, and creates a new gateway to Abbey Wood.
To the south, Wilton Road’s role as the high street and local centre was reinforced through UM’s design, and access to the main station forecourt and transport interchange from Gayton Road was made attractive and comfortable for people walking, cycling, and taking public transport. To the north of the station in Felixstowe Road, UM created a new station square with extensive tree planting and SuDS, as well as seating and social spaces.
The design for the new upper concourse level on Harrow Manor Way had a more contemporary aesthetic and exploits its elevated position to offer panoramic views in all directions, increasing the sense of arrival.
The station design and urban realm were reviewed by CABE who felt that they “underlined the deeply civic stance which is at the heart of this project” and that the scheme “has the potential to be an exemplar of sub regional regeneration.”
Moreover, recognising the transformation delivered by UM’s initial Urban Integration Study, subsequent public realm design through all RIBA stages, and alongside Station architects, Fereday Pollard’s work, the Station upgrade was awarded a RIBA London Award in 2024.
Two pieces of transport infrastructure, the railway line and the Harrow Manor Way flyover, dominated the local environment and obstructed pedestrian movement. Harrow Manor Way even banned pedestrians from using it, with the only connection between lower level rail station and upper level bus station being a series of dark, and uncomfortable switchback ramps.
Urban Movement worked with Crossrail to make the case for increased investment at Abbey Wood so that a new station could stitch back together the urban fabric. The existing station was demolished and a new ticket hall built, elevated above the railway line to connect with the Harrow Manor Way flyover, redesigned by UM as an elevated urban street, inviting pedestrians and cyclists. The new station is now an ‘urban bridge’, providing a direct and accessible link between the areas to the north and south of the station.
The public realm design by UM, supports the function of the station, builds on the natural assets of Abbey Wood, helps to overcome the barriers to movement, and creates a new gateway to Abbey Wood.
To the south, Wilton Road’s role as the high street and local centre was reinforced through UM’s design, and access to the main station forecourt and transport interchange from Gayton Road was made attractive and comfortable for people walking, cycling, and taking public transport. To the north of the station in Felixstowe Road, UM created a new station square with extensive tree planting and SuDS, as well as seating and social spaces.
The design for the new upper concourse level on Harrow Manor Way had a more contemporary aesthetic and exploits its elevated position to offer panoramic views in all directions, increasing the sense of arrival.
The station design and urban realm were reviewed by CABE who felt that they “underlined the deeply civic stance which is at the heart of this project” and that the scheme “has the potential to be an exemplar of sub regional regeneration.”
Moreover, recognising the transformation delivered by UM’s initial Urban Integration Study, subsequent public realm design through all RIBA stages, and alongside Station architects, Fereday Pollard’s work, the Station upgrade was awarded a RIBA London Award in 2024.
