ACME's Liverpool Street Station plans approved despite 3,700+ objections
The £1.5 billion project, which involves the partial demolition of a listed station, has been greenlit despite a wave of opposition. The proposal, which includes a 97m-tall office tower over the concourse, has faced criticism from heritage groups, viability concerns, and a rival plan from SAVE Britain's Heritage and John McAslan + Partners. The City of London planning committee's decision, with 19 votes in favour and 3 against, marks a significant step forward for the Square Mile.
The application, a revised version of earlier plans by Herzog & de Meuron, sparked intense debate. It received 4,900 written representations, with 3,700 objections and 1,100 in support. Committee chair Tom Sleigh questioned the rationale, asking why a new station is acceptable for historical contexts but not for modern-day residents. He expressed his support for the application, envisioning a modern transport hub with soaring brick arches and bold architecture.
City of London policy chairman Chris Hayward echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project's potential to enhance the city's business ecosystem, create jobs, and solidify its global reputation. However, the proposal has faced criticism from various heritage organizations, including the Victorian Society, the Twentieth Century Society, and SAVE Britain's Heritage, who argue it will harm the station's heritage.
The Victorian Society, in a joint statement with the Twentieth Century Society and SAVE, vowed to continue their opposition, stating they are prepared for a long legal battle. TV presenter Griff Rhys Jones, president of the Victorian Society and the Liverpool Street Station Campaign, expressed disappointment, suggesting a disfiguring office block is not essential for the city's development.
John McAslan, a critic of the ACME scheme, described it as speculative and ruinous, causing irreversible harm to the listed station and disrupting travellers for a decade. The City of London's Conservation Area Advisory Committee also voiced concerns, calling the proposal an overdevelopment that would negatively impact the building's setting and its role in the Bishopsgate Conservation Area.
Historic England, the government's heritage watchdog, raised issues about natural light loss, column removal, and the impact of new shop units and concourse extensions on views. They also expressed worries about the size, location, and design of new entrances and oversite development, which could significantly reduce the appreciation of the former Great Eastern Hotel's landmark qualities.
Hotelier Hyatt, owner of the Grade II*-listed Andaz London Liverpool Street, joined the criticism, warning that the ACME scheme would cause significant disruption and harm to the hotel without any added benefit.
Network Rail, however, believes the project is crucial for sustainable transport. Their revised plans, submitted last April, aim to reduce the carbon footprint and accommodate more passengers. The new design includes outdoor garden terraces and leaves the former Great Eastern Hotel intact, creating a civic gateway into the City of London.
Despite the controversies, the planning committee's decision paves the way for a major transformation of Liverpool Street Station, with potential benefits for the city's infrastructure and transport network.
