Elizabeth line: connecting with London's historic Paddington Station

It involved relocating the station’s taxi rank from the south side of Paddington Station, creating new station entrances, developing a new station and concourse for the Hammersmith & City underground line, and creating the supporting structure for a 15-storey oversite development.

PIP had to be delivered ahead of other projects within the Crossrail programme, requiring strong working relationships to be forged with stakeholders, from residents and the council to the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, to minimise the risk of delays to the programme.

Not only was the project aiming to deliver a great passenger experience for Elizabeth line users, it set out to improve travel for the users of connecting services – mainline rail, Underground, the Heathrow Express airport shuttle, bus and taxi. We guided the PIP through feasibility, preliminary and detailed design, and supported Crossrail Ltd by providing technical advice on site during construction. Our mechanical and electrical engineering designs integrated with existing systems and were developed from concept design to RIBA stage D and included communication systems, lighting, fire systems, drainage, lifts, and escalators.

PIP enabled the development of the new station. It is arranged over three levels, with two surface-level entrances via a pedestrian plaza. New structures interface with the old station building. We carried out structural and condition surveys to determine whether it could accommodate adaptation or required strengthening. Working with national conservation agency English Heritage and our architectural partner Weston Williamson, we balanced the environmental and heritage benefits of reusing structures with the future needs of all the different transport operators and users.

Impacts on the local community, during both design and construction, were managed through a variety of specialist studies and surveys focused on noise and vibration, traffic and pedestrian movements and industrial heritage. Studies during the design phase were included in the contractor’s method of working to ensure continuity from design through to realisation on site.

Ground source heat pumps provide a low-carbon source of heat. Extensive use has been made of natural light and ventilation, while more than 500m2 of green roofing was installed as part of the project.

The project achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating on the CEEQUAL sustainability standard. It scored particularly well for its design and management of landscape issues, securing a score of 97% for the project team’s dealings with the local community and stakeholders. PIP also won a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) London Award for Architecture Excellence.