Leyton Tube station on Central line to undergo major upgrade

The Central line stop will be made fully accessible for the first time.

This will be achieved through the installation of two lifts and an overbridge, Transport for London (TfL) said.

The upgrade is part of TfL's efforts to make 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free.

A visualisation of the upgraded station featuring a larger ticket hall, step-free access, and modern facilities (Image: TfL)

Calvin Bailey, MP for Leyton and Wanstead, said: “These much-needed improvement works to Leyton station are great news for local residents.

"Local transport provision is vital for our community, and I welcome the works that will be carried out to improve the accessibility of this station for all users. 

“This progress will make a real difference to local residents, allowing everyone to travel more independently and confidently.” 

The station will also see the construction of a new, larger ticket hall, with additional ticket gates to reduce congestion and meet future demand.

The contract for the upgrade has been awarded to TWBN, a joint venture between Taylor Woodrow and BAM Nuttall.

Main construction work is planned to start next week and is expected to be completed by spring 2027.

The station will remain open throughout, TfL said, except for a few weekend closures halfway through the construction programme.

The station's current platforms (Image: TfL)

These closures will be communicated in advance to allow commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.

The upgrade is being jointly funded by TfL, Waltham Forest Council and the government.

London's deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, said: "The mayor and I feel strongly that everyone should be able to enjoy everything our great capital has to offer.

"This means making our transport network as accessible as possible.

"It’s great that TfL will soon begin work to make Leyton Tube station step-free, alongside other improvements."

Local transport minister Simon Lightwood added: "Accessibility is a top priority for the government, and we are working closely with the Mayor of London, and the London Borough of Waltham Forest on this scheme to bring real benefits to those who rely on Leyton station every day.

"That is why we have invested over £13 million to help make the station fully step-free and expand the ticket hall to ensure smoother, easier and more accessible journeys."

The project will also see external paving improve drainage and will use the station electricity supply rather than more polluting generators.

A new, ultra-low carbon concrete is also being investigated ahead of temporary work beginning.