Paddington Elizabeth Line Station
Paddington, London, UK · Part of the Crossrail project (construction 2009-2022), Elizabeth Line opened May 2022 · Part of the overall Crossrail/Elizabeth Line project (approx. £18.9bn overall project cost). Specific cost for Paddington station not publicly disaggregated.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launch* Focus on people-focused design to transform passenger experience and ease movement within the station. * Careful consideration of historic station motifs in the modern design to create a seamless transition. * Emphasis on accessibility, with lifts showcased at the centre of the station. * Robust engineering combined with careful detailing (gigantic props, columns, ‘lily pad’ light fittings) to ensure longevity and adaptability.
Key engineering challenges
* Integrating a new, large-scale underground station with the existing historic Grade I listed Paddington railway station. * Using a box station construction technique to bring daylight and natural ventilation deep into the station, allowing passengers on platforms to see street level. * Complex engineering to achieve the integration and natural light/ventilation while working within a dense urban environment.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Transport for London (TfL), Crossrail (now Elizabeth Line)
- Lead contractor
- Costain Skanska JV
- Lead designers
- Weston Williamson + Partners (WW+P) (architects); WSP (structural engineer, environmental/M&E engineer, quantity surveyor/cost consultant)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Highly visible entrance plaza; daylight and natural ventilation to platform level; integrated with existing Grade I listed Paddington railway station.
- Disciplines
- Architecture; civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; environmental; quantity surveying; landscape architecture
- Standards & frameworks
- Crossrail standards; London Underground standards; CDM Regulations
Sources: * RIBA (Undated), "Paddington Elizabeth Line Station", https://www.riba.org/explore/awards/uk-awards/regional-awards/2024/london-award-winners/paddington-elizabeth-line-station/ * Weston Williamson + Partners (WW+P) (Undated), "Paddington Elizabeth Line Station", https://www.wwparchitects.com/projects/paddington-elizabeth-line-station/