Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed work has begun to make the Central Line’s Northolt Tube station step-free after it was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic and should be completed by summer 2026.
TfL previously carried out design works for Northolt but just as construction work was about to start to make it step-free in 2020, the pandemic struck.
According to TfL, the introduction of step-free access to Northolt Tube station is part of the Mayor of London’s plan to make 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free.
Last week (3 February 2025), TfL began preparatory works in advance of main construction which is planned to start in the spring and is expected to be finished by summer 2026.
TfL has said that the station will remain open as normal during the work to provide a new footbridge and lift to access the platform. A new accessible toilet will also be built to replace the current public toilets which will close in April 2025.
Stuart Harvey, chief capital officer at Transport for London, said: “Northolt Tube station becoming step-free will benefit thousands of customers in the area and make the station more accessible for those using it.
“We will continue to work at pace to identify where step-free schemes can make a difference to our customers, and work with partners to deliver those schemes. Northolt station will remain open during these works, and we will work with contractors to ensure we minimise any disruption to our neighbours while this crucial construction work is completed.”
London Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, Bassam Mahfouz who has championed the introduction of step-free access for stations in the borough said: “Northolt is an incredibly busy station and local residents deserve the right to have an accessible platform to connect them into central London and beyond.”
He added: “I was delighted to gain the commitment to make it step free in 2019. Now with COVID out of the way, it’s full steam ahead to open up the station to parents with buggies, shoppers, the elderly and disabled, really putting Northolt on the map.”
John McGeachy, campaigns manager, Age UK London added: “It is very good news to hear that work is restarting to make Northolt Station step-free. This will make a huge difference to the many older and disabled people who will be able to use services from the station. Any efforts to make transport more accessible for everyone is very welcome.”
Cyreeta Donaldson, regional campaigns officer for London at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), said: “We’ve been advising TfL to help ensure step-free access is prioritised at Northolt Station and across the Tube network where appropriate. We’re pleased work is now set to progress and we look forward to continuing to work with them on further station upgrades including improved signage and tactile markings which have huge benefits for blind and partially sighted people.”
A TfL spokesperson previously told EALING.NEWS last year: “Making our transport network more accessible and inclusive is a top priority for us, as we know that a more accessible public transport network benefits everyone. We understand the importance of providing step-free access at as many stations as possible.”
