“Much-needed improvement”: Burnt Oak step-free plans continue forward.

Plans to make Burnt Oak station step-free are being developed as part of the Mayor of London’s goal of making 50% of the tube network step-free by 2030.

TfL has announced that it is “re-starting design work” at Burnt Oak station following a “cost-benefit review.” Due to the epidemic, finance and design were postponed till 2020. While the strategy will be revised, cash must still be sought.

TfL stated that the schemes’ delivery was reliant on funding, with initiatives with traceable third-party funding given priority.

When asked if it would support the redesign, a Barnet Council representative stated that, while the council lacked the “resources to contribute,” it would do “whatever” it could to “help make this much-needed improvement happen.”

Anne Clarke, cabinet member for culture, recreation, arts, and sports, and London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, welcomed the announcement.

She stated: “Burnt Oak has been waiting far too long for step-free access, so the news that the construction will begin is welcome and will make a significant difference to many in the region.

“It also demonstrates a commitment to investing in the community and transport infrastructure, building on the upgrade of Colindale Station.

“However, my campaign to install more step-free access across the Northern Line in Barnet is not done yet, and I will continue to press for step free access for Totteridge and Whetstone and Brent Cross Stations.”

The council spokeswoman continued, “Delivering step-free access at all Barnet stations, so that everyone can access our transport network, is a top priority for the council.”

“As our new Transport Strategy makes clear, we have demonstrated our commitment by providing significant funding to the London Underground step-free access programme, including over £15 million for Colindale Station and over £400,000 for Mill Hill East, either directly from our capital programme or through financial contributions from developers.

“Although the council does not have the resources to contribute to the cost of step-free access at Burnt Oak, we will look actively at opportunities to secure funding and do whatever else we can to help make this much-needed improvement happen.”

TfL announced that full feasibility studies will begin at Brent Cross, Totteridge, and Whetstone stations later this year; however, those plans are less advanced, although all three stations are moving forward.

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