Waterloo

BRB (Residuary) Limited owns the former Eurostar terminal at Waterloo International, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport.

The company is directed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to keep the facility safe and secure. The Department expects BRBR to co-operate with proposals for the future use and development of Waterloo station and, where necessary and appropriate, to facilitate their efficient execution.

BRBR is working with the DfT, South West Trains and Network Rail to bring the station back into use. As a first stage, platform 20 is to be used by trains operating on the Reading line by 2014. Passengers will access platform 20 from platform 19.

Work started in June 2012 on renovation of the roof over the platforms. This includes cleaning and repainting. Work is due to finish in spring 2013.

Waterloo International was designed as a secure facility, like an airport, dealing with a relatively limited number of trains. It requires significant adaptation to allow use of all of the platforms. Work that is necessary includes making it possible for passengers to move on and off the platforms at the same time. Convenient links need to be made to the main concourse of Waterloo station, the Underground station, surrounding streets and bus services.

It is clear that the accommodation under the platforms at Waterloo International is far in excess of what is required for further railway use. The London Borough of Lambeth, working with BRBR and Network Rail, has prepared a Statement of Planning Principles which sets out how the surplus space might be used. This is an advisory document. A copy of the Statement of Planning Principles is here here

Plans which illustrate how the lower levels of the station might be laid out are here. These do not necessarily show the final proposal, but indicate how space might be allocated and how passenger circulation could be arranged.

A planning application has been submitted by London & Regional Properties and Chelsfield for redevelopment of Elizabeth House, which adjoins Waterloo International to the west. Details of the proposal are at http://elizabethhousewaterloo.co.uk/. BRB (Residuary) Limited is supporting the planning application, because the scheme, if implemented, will greatly improve access to Waterloo station and its immediate setting.