Soho coup for Crossrail

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Plans for a £1 billion pound redevelopment of Tottenham Court Road by Crossrail will help regenerate Soho creating a new cultural and retail focus for London.

The plans have been given the go ahead by Westminster City Council. This means the area around Soho Square will be improved. Rental from shops, office and residential accommodation above the stations will contribute to Crossrail’s funding.

In addition to the new upgrade of the existing station Crossrail is building a new ticket hall at Dean Street which will provide access to the western end of the Crossrail platforms, almost 25 metres below Soho.

A new theatre to replace the former Astoria Theatre has also been approved. London Underground and Crossrail have gained approval for plans to renew and upgrade the public spaces around the eastern ticket hall and St Giles area.

A new open pedestrian space linking Soho Square and Charing Cross Road will create new views of the Square and of St. Patrick’s Church.

Says Ian Lindsay, Crossrail Land and Property Director, ‘The £1bn redevelopment of Tottenham Court Road station provides a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise the eastern end of Oxford Street. The plans including high-quality offices and shops will enhance the Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road area as a thriving cultural and retail destination.’

A new public piazza around Centrepoint will also be created providing a distinctive new landmark for the West End. The arrival of Crossrail will make Tottenham Court Road a major West End transport hub. 150,000 passengers use Tottenham Court Road station every day. That number is expected to rise to more than 200,000 when Crossrail services commence in 2018.

Crossrail will link the West End to Canary Wharf in 12 minutes, Stratford in 13 minutes and Heathrow in less than 30 minutes. In total, £1bn is being spent to build the new Crossrail station and upgrade the capacity of the Tube station.

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