Leyton Tube station will undergo a vital upgrade which will deliver step-free access to the station for the first time, via two lifts and an overbridge, as Transport for London (TfL) works with partners to progress towards the Mayor’s ambitious goal of making 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free. The station, on the eastern end of the Central line, will also see the construction of a new, larger ticket hall, including additional ticket gates, to reduce congestion and meet expected future demand. TfL has awarded a contract to TWBN, a joint venture between Taylor Woodrow and BAM Nuttall, to deliver the upgrade.
Main construction work on the project, on which TfL and Waltham Forest Council have been collaborating for many years, is planned to start on 17 February 2025 and expected to be completed in spring 2027. The station will remain open throughout, except for a small number of weekend closures around halfway through the construction programme. These closures will be fully communicated with both stakeholders and customers ahead of time to ensure Londoners can plan journeys around the work.
The upgrade of Leyton station is being jointly funded by TfL, Waltham Forest Council and the Government. Two thousand new homes are being built near Leyton Tube station with a further 5,300 new homes proposed. The upgraded Tube station will increase capacity, improve accessibility and provide a more comfortable and welcoming environment for TfL’s customers.
The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “The Mayor and I feel strongly that everyone should be able to enjoy everything our great capital has to offer. This means making our transport network as accessible as possible.
“It’s great that TfL will soon begin work to make Leyton Tube station step-free, alongside other improvements. These works will not just improve accessibility, but also support major housing developments in the local area, as well as boosting local businesses and inclusive economic growth.
“More than a third of Underground stations across the capital are step-free and we are committed to growing this number to help build better, fairer and more accessible London for everyone.”
Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “Accessibility is a top priority for the Government, and we are working closely with the Mayor of London, and the London Borough of Waltham Forest on this scheme to bring real benefits to those who rely on Leyton station every day.
“That is why we have invested over £13 million to help make the station fully step-free and expand the ticket hall to ensure smoother, easier and more accessible journeys.”
