Cookies

To provide a better user experience, we use marketing cookies. To allow marketing cookies, click accept below or click here to view our policies.

Skip to content
BDP.Design.
Contact
Design Story.

Whitechapel Elizabeth Line Station

Location
London, UK
Client
Hyder Consulting for Crossrail
Expertise
Architecture
Design Management
Landscape Architecture
Completion
2021
Cost
£550m

The redevelopment of Whitechapel Station has transformed it into a vital interchange for the London Underground, Overground, and the Elizabeth line.

Whitechapel Elizabeth line station opens
Whitechapel Train Station barriers image with people
Whitechapel Train Station stairs light people
Whitechapel Station people walking
Whitechapel Station Lizzie line
Whitechapel Train Station
Whitechapel Station Light passage way

This new transport hub enhances connectivity for the East London community while preserving the station’s rich history. The project, which retains the distinctive buildings constructed over 100 years ago, has contributed to a rise in local office occupancy of 11%.

Whitechapel Station’s new above-ground station bridge improves access to surrounding areas. Natural light floods the concourse, thanks to a glass roof, creating a welcoming atmosphere while highlighting the historic architecture and the main entrance on Whitechapel Road has been reinstated, providing a new pedestrian route from Durward Street.

The elevated concourse also improves ventilation and passenger movement. The platforms below benefit from increased natural light, enhancing the overall experience for commuters. To improve accessibility, the station now includes three new escalators and a lift, providing step-free access to the Elizabeth line.

Whitechapel Aerial

Sustainability is a core focus of the redevelopment. The new station features a sedum-covered green roof that reduces the heat island effect, improves air quality, and boosts biodiversity. Energy-efficient systems, including low-energy lighting and escalators that slow during quiet periods, further enhance its environmental credentials.

The station retains much of its original structure, preserving the local character and historical significance of Whitechapel. With improved connections and sustainable design, Whitechapel Station is not just a transport hub but a catalyst for growth and development in the heart of East London.

London Underground logo for Whitechapel Design Story

“This really is a stunning station and incorporates a renovated Victorian entrance and a green roof to boost biodiversity. I hope the local community will be as impressed with the station as I am. With step-free access to the London Underground and London Overground platforms now available, there are real benefits for customers, particularly those heading to The Royal London Hospital directly across the road.”

Andy Lord, Managing Director, London Underground
0m

cross passage tunnel

0

daily passenger capacity

0%

rise in local office occupancy levels

Whitechapel Tunnel
Whitechapel Station stairs going down with light shinning on
Whitechapel Station Escalators going up
Whitechapel CGI P2003558_BDP_large.jpg
Whitechapel Station Escalators zoomed in
BDP_Whitechapel station Entrance.jpg
All Change on the Tracks

"We took the decision to retain the existing buildings to preserve the heritage and local character of this important rail interchange and to deliver the most sustainable construction solution. The new station will meet the demands of the passengers and provide a stunning backdrop to travel in and out of Whitechapel”.

Peter Jenkins, Architect Director and Head of Transport, BDP
Whitechapel Station Sketch in colour