Elizabeth line passengers using Ilford station will start to benefit from significant improvements following completion of a new entrance building on Cranbrook Road. VolkerFitzpatrick has built a new, modern station entrance that is accessible from street to platform via three new lifts.

Local MP Sam Tarry and Redbridge Council leader Jas Athwal were present amongst other guests to mark the completion of the new entrance on 30 August, which will benefit Ilford passengers travelling into London using the new Elizabeth line.

The new entrance building is a modern, bright and spacious ticket hall with an improved gate line. A staffed ticket office will provide passengers with assistance and ticketing services, along with ticket machines to enable self-service.

The opening of three new lifts provides step-free access to all platforms for the first time, significantly improving access for all passengers. The opening of new lifts is part of a key commitment by the Department for Transport and Transport for London, to make all Elizabeth line stations accessible to everyone. This commitment was given in November 2014 following a high-profile national campaign by Transport for All.

The opening of Ilford station’s new entrance building also represents the significant completion of all major station upgrade work by Network Rail for the Crossrail project in east and west London. These completed station upgrades include new and refurbished ticket hall entrances and offices, new lifts, platform extensions, new and refurbished footbridges, a bay platform at Shenfield and a complete rebuild of the station at Abbey Wood in south-east London.

Ilford station passengers can look forward to the next stage of the opening of the Elizabeth line later this year, which will allow passengers to travel into central London without having to change at London Liverpool Street.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It is great news that the improvements to Ilford station, which serves the new Elizabeth line, have now been completed. From today, passengers will benefit from a spacious new ticket hall, new lifts and improved access to ticketing services and customer information.

“These upgrades at Ilford station form part of our promise to make travel easier, more comfortable, and more accessible for millions of passengers, boosting connectivity across London and the South East as we build a better London for everyone.”

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s route director for Anglia, said: “Having completed the new station entrance building for Ilford, passengers will start to benefit from a modern, spacious facility with access to the Elizabeth line.

“It is a fantastic improvement for Ilford and the new lifts will make a huge difference to everyone that wants to travel on the Elizabeth line, which is already revolutionising the way customers get across London.”

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: “The opening of the new entrance to Ilford Station is a big step forward towards a bright future for our borough. Ilford is just one of four Elizabeth Line stations in Redbridge and will help boost our local economy while better serving local commuters, improving our connection to other areas in London and beyond whilst relieving pressure on the central line.”

Mark Taylor, contracts manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “Well done to the team for delivering the improvements to the new and improved Ilford station. They’ve worked really hard and rose to the challenges presented by the pandemic. It’s rewarding knowing that these inclusive improvements will make a real difference to so many passengers, for years to come.”