Wimbledon Chase Station.

[greyman42]

Has anyone heard of any plans to build a block of apartments on top of Wimbledon Chase station?

 

[SynthD]

Online Standard Details

https://planning.merton.gov.uk/MVM.DMS/Planning%20Application/1000118000/1000118988/22P1819_Proposed%20Plans.pdf

In case the links don't work, the ID is 22/P1819.

 

[Recessio]

Looks like they aren't including step-free access to the station itself. It is shocking that is allowed.

Originally I was against nine-stories in this area (I'm very familiar with the area, used to be my local station), but looking at some of the images, it may be okay given the other high-frontages on the Kingston road. They also make a good point that other nearby stations such as Morden, Collier's Wood and even very-nearby South Wimbledon have tall buildings on them. The throwback to the Southern Railway lettering is a nice tough too. My only complaints are the lack of back-access for the retail units for deliveries/rubbish, and the lack of step-free access to the station which is simply unacceptable.

 

[Mag_seven]

Looks like they aren't including step-free access to the station itself. It is shocking that is allowed.

Originally I was against nine-stories in this area (I'm very familiar with the area, used to be my local station), but looking at some of the images, it may be okay given the other high-frontages on the Kingston road. They also make a good point that other nearby stations such as Morden, Collier's Wood and even very-nearby South Wimbledon have tall buildings on them. The throwback to the Southern Railway lettering is a nice tough too. My only complaints are the lack of back-access for the retail units for deliveries/rubbish, and the lack of step-free access to the station which is simply unacceptable.

Thread reopened to allow for an update from @Recessio

 

[Recessio]

Planning Permission granted, after changes to the design. https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk...ing-for-art-deco-rebuild-of-wimbledon-station

From the article, it appears the plan was revised: some of the "mass" of the building has been removed to keep more in line with surrounding buildings. Glad that they have kept the homage to the Southern Railway with the canopy lettering, and also a nod to the Wimbledon & Sutton Railway, with the colouring and the art deco theme.

Personally, while I approve of higher density buildings near stations, and the efforts to maintain the existing art deco style after demolition, I think the lack of lift access to the station is very bad, especially as often recent "accessible" ramps are too steep for some wheelchair users, or extremely convoluted routes that have been bodged into existing stations (Gomshall springs to mind).

A total rebuild was the perfect opportunity to add a lift, and it has been squandered. I'm surprised that lift access isn't mandated - I assume some form of step-free access is mandated on newly (re)built stations?

 

[WesternBiker]

A total rebuild was the perfect opportunity to add a lift, and it has been squandered. I'm surprised that lift access isn't mandated - I assume some form of step-free access is mandated on newly (re)built stations?

Apparently not - at least, that is the implication of this article on Merton Borough website (text below):

Step-free access for more communities in Merton​

Making public transport accessible for everyone, which will help to make Merton’s future sustainable and allow residents with mobility issues to travel, is one of the key commitments of Merton Council.

We’ve been working hard to make it easier for people with mobility restrictions to use our stations, and to increase the number of stations in Merton with step-free access.
Council Leader Ross Garrod recently wrote to the Transport Minister, Huw Merriman, about plans for the redevelopment of Wimbledon Chase Station. The Leader appealed for government to use the Access for All scheme to ensure step-free access to the Thameslink station is created during the proposed redevelopment, which would maximise access for all station users and minimise disruption during the construction process.
Government is considering nominations for the scheme, and we look forward to hearing the outcome of the proposal later this year.
Council Leader Ross Garrod said, “This opportunity to make Wimbledon Chase station more accessible for the local community should not be missed. Additional housing for Merton residents is very welcome, and the opportunity to also improve access for residents with mobility impairments is clear-cut.
“That is why I wrote to the Transport Minister to champion the case for Wimbledon Chase to be included in the next round of the Access for All scheme. I look forward to hearing the final decision.”
At Motspur Park station, we have been working with Network Rail and South Western Railways to make the station fully accessible. The Access for All scheme here has developed plans for a new, covered footbridge with full access via lift or stairs, and new lighting and security cameras.