London Bridge Station

Location: London, England

Architect: Grimshaw Architects

London Bridge Station is a special addition to our Top 10 list of the Best Designed Train Stations in Europe - because of it's completion date of 2018. However, from the concept and renderings, we feel that the London Bridge station is going to be a top contender for our countdown, as the 4th busiest station in the UK. Set to complete in the Spring 2018, London Bridge is a classic example of the British Rail network's historic tendency towards 'lean to' culture, according to Grimshaw Architects partner Mark Middleton: evolving over decades with platforms and canopies bolted on as and when needed. 

Retaining the Victorian brick viaduct facades where possible, there will be two main entrances: the traditional Bermondsey-facing one will feature extensive retail slotted into the existing railway arches. A 70 metre-wide by 200 metre-long concourse will be cut out of the existing viaduct to improve flow between the two neighbourhoods. Streamlined metal canopies will replace the current grimy platform coverings, reflecting shimmering rooflines back up to the adjacent Shard. Individually shaped and warped, the canopies also allow both south and north light to penetrate, benefiting the waiting passengers.