Additional entrance at Ilford station paves the way for easier access

08 June 2021
Network Rail continues work on wider station improvements including installing new lifts
"Later this year, lifts, real-time information boards and other improvements will make the station easier to navigate, supporting all those using the network and the overall development of the local area ahead of the Elizabeth line opening"
Heidi Alexander
Deputy Mayor for Transport

TfL has opened a new entrance and ticket hall for customers at Ilford station, providing a convenient link for residents in nearby homes as well as step-free access to Platform 1.

The new southern entrance provides an additional way for TfL Rail customers to access the station for those travelling from Ilford into central London and Essex.

It was originally proposed in 2015 and has been built using funding from the Greater London Authority Housing Zone Grant and the TfL Growth Fund as well as further support from Redbridge Council.

Having an additional permanent entrance from Ilford Hill will save time for customers alighting buses to the south of the station as they will not have to walk around to the front entrance on Cranbrook Road.

The entrance also provides further capacity to support the expected rise in passenger numbers when the Elizabeth line opens.

The Elizabeth line

The new ticket hall provides a step-free entrance to Platform 1 ahead of new lifts being installed at the station by Network Rail as part of the wider station improvement project. Three lifts will provide step-free access to all platforms when complete.

There is also a new gateline and ticket machines as well as enhanced customer information screens with real-time travel information. A "Continue Your Journey" screen beside the exit will mean customers have access to live bus departure information for the nearby bus stops, making public transport journeys easier.

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: 'This new entrance will make a big difference to passengers using Ilford station, increasing capacity and ease of access.

'Later this year, lifts, real-time information boards and other improvements will make the station easier to navigate, supporting all those using the network and the overall development of the local area ahead of the Elizabeth line opening.'

Danny Fox, TfL Rail Deputy Director of Operations, said: 'We've seen lots of development around Ilford station since we launched TfL Rail in 2015 and this new entrance will support more people using the railway in the years to come.

'Further improvements are well underway at the station, rebuilding the main entrance and installing new lifts. It is exciting to see Ilford station progressing well and supporting the regeneration of the local area.'

Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: 'It's an exciting time for Ilford Town Centre. Redbridge Council are working with partners to transform the area into a cleaner, greener thriving hub for people to live, work, visit and enjoy.

'The additional entrance to Ilford station and overall improvements to the station, which we supported with a contribution from our Community Infrastructure Levy, make it easier to navigate and travel safely and are an important step ahead of the Elizabeth line opening.'

The construction of the Elizabeth line has catalysed significant regeneration in the area with more than 1,000 new homes built around Ilford station in the past few years. Redbridge Council will also continue making improvements to the areas around Ilford station.

Series of improvements

This new upgrade is the latest step in a series of improvements to Ilford station by TfL since taking over the station in 2015, including:

  • The new northern entrance building at York Road opened in 2016
  • A new waiting room and waiting shelter on Platform 3
  • Refurbishment of the customer toilets
  • New TfL-style seating across all platforms
  • Refurbishment of all platform canopies

Notes to editors

  • Ilford and Romford will be the final two stations between Liverpool Street and Shenfield to go step-free with new lifts being installed by Network Rail
  • All 41 stations on the Elizabeth line will be step-free when it is fully open
  • TfL supported the construction of the entrance by providing project management, engineering support and station equipment including the ticket machines, ticket gates and new customer information screens
  • The new entrance is open from 06:00 to 23:00, with staff available at all times the entrance is open
  • There are no planned weekend full line closures on the line between Liverpool Street and Shenfield this summer meaning customers can enjoy everything London has to offer
  • Customers are encouraged to travel during the quieter times where possible and consider walking or cycling
  • TfL has advised customers who usually travel at a particular time to check before they travel as their usual train times may have changed
  • TfL is providing extensive travel information to help everyone plan for the quieter times to make social distancing easier, including through the free TfL Go app
  • The transport network is cleaner than ever - the use of hospital grade cleaning substances, anti-viral disinfectant and UV light sanitising devices has helped ensure that independent testing has consistently found no evidence of coronavirus on surfaces or in the air on Tubes and buses
  • For more information about improvements currently underway at TfL Rail stations visit tfl.gov.uk/tfl-rail-improvements