King's Road Crossrail hub gets TFL backing

The prospect of a Crossrail station on the King’s Road in Chelsea has moved a step closer.

A new report by TfL, Our response to issues raised Autumn 2015 Crossrail 2 Consultation, concludes that the case for a new hub by Sydney Street “is stronger” than for one down at Imperial Wharf for a number of reasons.

The King’s Road area currently has low tube and rail service levels compared to similar inner London locations, said the paper, and a new station would also cut down on traffic, improve access to the Royal Brompton and Royal Marsden hospitals, and help out existing retail and commercial offerings. The Imperial Wharf option, added TfL, would cost more and mean longer journey times. Worries over disruption in SW3 are also addressed, but the whole idea is going down like a lead balloon with some residents. The star-studded “No Crossrail in Chelsea” campaign sets out its reasons for opposing here (and explains why Clapham Junction would be an altogether better option).

(Kings Road in 1962)

Councillor Tim Coleridge, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Transport: “I hope that this report eases the concerns that some people had about the local impact a Crossrail station would have on the King’s Road. Contrary to what residents have been told in the past few months the road itself will not need to close and TfL has stated that this part of Chelsea is poorly served by public transport. The pressure an increasing population will bring on Tube and bus services means that we cannot expect existing infrastructure, even with some technical upgrades, to deliver what we will need in years to come. A Crossrail 2 station on the King’s Road will be a huge investment in the future of Chelsea and the quality of life of people who live and work there.”

Source Primeresi.com