Improving London Waterloo station
We are working on a series of projects to improve the experience for passengers at London Waterloo
We have refurbished the toilets and are replacing the 100-year-old station roof, improving customer information systems and upgrading the retail offer.
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Refurbished toilets at London Waterloo station
Work is complete on a project to refurbish and remodel the toilets, improving the experience for all passengers.
The investment was needed because the previous toilet facilities were tired and outdated and didn’t meet modern accessibility standards or the expectations of passengers travelling today.
What did we do?
- Refurbished all facilities with modern fittings and fixtures.
- Upgraded plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.
- Switched the location of the female and male toilets allowing us to balance capacity.
- Installed toilets for passengers with unseen disabilities.
- Remodelled the concourse level lobby providing accessible toilets which both contain baby change facilities.
- Installed a ramp to give step-free access to accessible and baby change areas via the concourse lobby.
What are the benefits?
Improved passenger experience
Modern fixtures and fittings, as well as plumbing, electrical and mechanical upgrades give passengers a more pleasant environment and more reliable facilities that can better manage the heavy demands of a busy station.
More accessible
- A balanced number of male and female facilities, as well as a new gender-neutral facility meets the needs and expectations of passengers travelling today.
- New ambulant toilets improves accessibility for passengers travelling with unseen disabilities.
- Step-free access to accessible toilets and baby changing areas makes it easier for people with impaired mobility, the elderly and parents with children.
Repairing London Waterloo’s 100-year-old roof
The roof that covers the station concourse was rebuilt just after the First World War in 1922. After more than 100 years of sheltering passengers from the wind and rain, it is time to replace the old glazing.
The work is needed as the existing glazing and support structures needed more intensive and expensive maintenance to stop leaks.
Work to replace the glazed panels and the support structures which hold them and a full repaint of the roof structure started in summer 2023 and will continue for four years. The project also includes repairing the Porte Cochere roofs which provide shelter on Cab Road.
How will the station be affected by roof works?
The operation of the station, including passenger services and retail outlets will be unaffected by the work.
A temporary roof structure we will be built underneath the existing roof to protect passengers from the elements. Passengers will see a scaffolding deck that will be moved across the concourse in line with the phasing of works.
Eight temporary staircases will be installed across the station, one on the concourse and seven on the mezzanine. These will be dismantled in sequence as the works progress.
All construction activities relating to the temporary structures and access stairwells will take place at night to prevent noise and dust during normal station operations.
All other works, such as the removal of existing panels and replacement of concourse lights, will be undertaken when the station is open to the public.
Waterloo Escalators
The escalators for Exit 2 are ageing, meaning parts are more difficult to repair or procure so we are now planning to replace the escalators.
In the meantime, all four escalators will be refurbished before the end of summer 2024.
We are currently finalising the programme which will see all four escalators replaced in 2025 – we will have firmer timelines to share with you soon.
The work will take some time to complete which will mean some disruption to your experience at the station, such as a one-way system for escalators during busy commuter times. Visitors will be able to use stairs at Exit 2 if they can, which will add a couple of minutes to journeys.
Coming soon
New public address systems
The current public address system is outdated and doesn’t meet the expectations of passengers travelling today, or modern accessibility standards. We are installing new speakers containing the latest technology to improve the quality and clarity of announcements across the station.
More places to eat, shop and play
Waterloo’s retail and food offer is being revamped as part of ongoing investment in the station.
Contact us
For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.