Calls Grow for Step Free Access at Kensington Olympia
No plans for full accessibility despite development around station
Kensington Olympia Station. Picture: Google Streetview
January 6, 2025
An online petition calling for step free access at Kensington Olympia Station has attracted a huge amount of support less than a month after being launched.
At the time of writing, just under 1,000 people had signed the petition which was started by a local residents’ group.
It is argued that, with 12 million visitors expected to visit the new Olympia development each year, it is ‘shocking’ that no plans have been made for the installation of lifts at the station.
The petition asks TFL, Network Rail and Yoo Capital to work together “with urgency” to use Section 106 money to make the station fully accessible in time for the opening of the new development later this year, adding that the cost would be ‘a drop in the ocean’ in the context of the £1.6billion masterplan for Olympia.
Kensington Olympia Station currently offers partial step-free access. Passengers can access Platforms 1 (District Line) and 2 (London Overground and Southern Rail) step-free via Olympia Way. However, reaching other platforms may require navigating stairs or taking a 600-metre journey via street routes for platform interchange.
Despite the ongoing redevelopment of the Olympia venue, there are no confirmed plans to enhance step-free access at the station. Both Network Rail and TfL have programmes to convert stations to be fully accessible, but Kensington Olympia is not on the list of those recently announced as being considered for further funding.
There was some Section 106 money from the development set aside for station improvements, but this is being spent on new gates, seating and shelters.
Once complete the new centre will include a performing arts venue, 5000 capacity music venue,1,500 seat theatre, cinemas, conference centre, over 550,000 sq ft of office accommodation, a secondary school, two hotels, over 30 restaurants, bars and cafes.
To sign the petition click here.
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