Liverpool Street: Historic England says plans 'fundamentally misconceived'

Pictured before modernisation in 1985, Liverpool Street was one of the busiest commuter stations in London

Conservation body Historic England has joined a number of public figures in objecting to plans for London's Liverpool Street railway station.

Development company Sellar wants to build offices, shops and a hotel at the terminal, in proposals deemed "grossly opportunistic" by critics.

Network Rail, which owns the station, says the project will provide "long-lasting benefits".

Work would involve rebuilding a Grade II-listed hotel, which opened in 1884.

'Grossly disproportionate'

Broadcaster Stephen Fry and artist Tracey Emin are among dozens of public figures and conservationists opposing the proposals to build offices, shops and a hotel at the terminal.

A statement from Historic England said: "The architectural harmony and heritage significance achieved by the last redevelopment would be destroyed, and the natural light over the concourse lost.

"The proposed tall buildings above are of grossly disproportionate scale and would trample on the station and the former Great Eastern Hotel, which is now listed at Grade II in recognition of its role as an impressive station frontage and for its lavish interiors."

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The organisation also said the "sheer bulk" of development would "harm the character of the City of London as a whole", encroaching or blocking famous views of some of London's landmarks, including those of St Paul's Cathedral - protected under the London Views Management Framework.

An illustration of Liverpool Street Station entrance

Cars on the platform at London Liverpool Street in the 1970s

Advert for the hotel next to the station, which would need to be rebuilt

Historic England acknowledged the plans included some improvements to the railway infrastructure, but argued: "They are not comparable with those secured at London Bridge, King's Cross and St Pancras Stations.

"There, dramatic practical improvements were achieved and at the same time the wonderful heritage of the stations has been showcased and celebrated. The improvements at Liverpool Street Station would only be achieved by sacrificing much of the character."

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England said: "This scheme is fundamentally misconceived and misses the opportunity to unlock real public benefits while also enhancing the station's heritage. At Historic England we are in favour of development where it secures a sustainable future for our best public and private buildings. This scheme does not. We must seek a better outcome for this special place."

An artist's impression shows the redeveloped station

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