London’s first new mainline station in a decade opens

Brent Cross West station, the first new mainline station to be built in London in more than a decade, has opened. 

A team led by Barnet Council and including Mace as delivery partner and VolkerFitzpatrick as construction lead, has officially handed over the station to Govia Thameslink Railway – which was celebrated with an opening ceremony attended by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. 

Situated on the Midlands Main Line, the 7,000 sq m  Brent Cross West train station is equipped with four platforms and provides services that connect with central London in as little as 12 minutes, with up to eight trains an hour at peak times. 

There will be direct connections to Luton Airport as well connections to Elizabeth line services via Farringdon station.

Brent Cross West and the associated rail infrastructure has been led by Barnet Council.

It is one of the first rail projects in England to be delivered entirely by a local authority. 

The scheme, which has seen four years of close collaboration, was programme managed by Mace, serving as Barnet’s delivery partner. VolkerFitzpatrick was responsible for the construction works. 

Delivered within a live railway environment, the team worked closely with Network Rail throughout the entire programme to ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, as well as the continuation of rail services.

This collaboration underpinned efforts to overcome logistical challenges, with over 10km of new track laid and 700 tonnes of steel delivered, made possible through clear communications and partnership working. 

At the heart of the Mace and VolkerFitzpatrick approach was a commitment to delivering the programme in the most sustainable and socially responsible way. 

In keeping with Barnet Council’s commitment to build a positive lasting legacy for communities, the programme created employment for more than 100 Barnet residents, with 20% of the workforce from Barnet or the neighbouring Brent and Camden boroughs. 

The station, which includes a public overbridge – will connect communities separated for 150 years by the railway line, while active travel will be encouraged through ample bike storage and better walking and cycle links to surrounding areas. 

The station is an essential part of the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme, providing the gateway to Brent Cross Town, the 180-acre, £8bn net zero park town that is being delivered by the partnership between Barnet Council and Related Argent. 

Brent Cross Town will deliver 6,700 new homes, create 25,000 jobs, and aims to be net zero by 2030.

The new station and associated rail works have been funded as part of a £419m government funding agreement which Barnet Council has secured through close collaboration with Central Government partners from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, HM Treasury and the Greater London Authority.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Brent Cross West station, the first major new mainline station in London in over a decade, will be transformative for north-west London, better connecting Brent Cross with the rest of the capital and unlocking wider development in the area. 

“The station will serve as a gateway to a Brent Cross Town, a brand-new neighbourhood delivering new homes, creating jobs, and aiming to be net zero by 2030. 

“Investment in London and in London’s transport network is critical in driving economic recovery in both the capital and the rest of the country.”