An artist’s impression of the Whitechapel Crossrail station. Pic: TfL
Proposals for an extension of the planned Crossrail 2 line through Hackney have been postponed, leaving just one station in the borough at Dalston Junction, the latest consultation documents reveal.
Crossrail 2 aims to connect the north and south of Greater London in the same way as Crossrail, still under construction, plans to connect the east and west. But the proposed eastern branch via Hackney Central has been placed on hold as there is not a strong enough “business case” to support its funding.
A Transport for London spokesman said: “We have safeguarded a route from Angel to Hackney Central so that an eastern branch could be added at a later stage should there be a good business case for it.”
Nick Perry, director of preservation group The Hackney Society, said “Dalston in particular could end up enduring nearly two decades of back to back construction from the start of the Overground to the completion of Crossrail 2.”
If all of Crossrail 2 is granted permission, construction would start in 2020 with the new line becoming fully operational by 2030.
Councillor Guy Nicholson, Hackney’s cabinet member for regeneration said: “The new proposals to have just one station in Hackney risk wasting the huge potential of the borough. TFL has so far failed to demonstrate a clear business case for why it’s gone back on its original plans for Crossrail 2 stations at both Dalston Junction and Hackney Central.”
Crossrail 2 could provide more opportunities for local businesses due to the increased transport links.
Richard Everitt, director of Winkworth Estate Agents in Hackney said: “This latest announcement has only secured Hackney’s popularity for the foreseeable future and solidified the growth we have seen in the area both in terms of amenities, with new businesses moving in, and also house prices.”
Crossrail 2 proposed routes. Pic: TfL