Further details emerged this week of the development opportunities being unlocked by Network Rail’s £4bn, 10-year upgrade of its stations.
The not-for-profit rail infrastructure group wants to bring forward schemes at London Waterloo and Northampton stations.
At Waterloo, it is in talks to take control of land housing Eurostar’s shed, which will be vacated in 2007 when the international rail operator moves to St Pancras.
Ownership of the land would create a potential 1m sq ft regeneration scheme.
Sites for a 500,000 sq ft makeover of Euston station and a 650,000 sq ft revamp of Victoria will come to market by the end of the year, and Waterloo in early 2006.
One interested party said: “There’s a bit more to play for at Waterloo.
“The Euston and Victoria schemes are essentially air rights over railway lines, which are not easy to develop given the health and safety risks.”
Also this week, Network Rail, West Northamptonshire Urban Development Corporation and Northamptonshire council shortlisted BDP and Halcrow as advisory consultants on the masterplan for a 28-acre gateway site adjoining Northampton’s Castle station.
The development brief proposes a landmark office building, a further “substantial new office development”, houses, a hotel/conference centre and civic spaces.
Network Rail is being advised by Jones Lang LaSalle on Victoria, Birmingham New Street, Brighton and Guildford stations, and by DTZ on Euston.
References: EGi News 23/09/05
