Residents and local Conservative councillors have forced a u-turn, as TfL confirmed they will deliver full step-free access at South Kensington station today.
City Hall planners green-lit the scheme in 2023, despite 2,500 residents' and local Conservative councillors' objections to the development, which included a large glass bullnose. However, residents and councillors secured a vital condition to make TfL deliver step free access in the first phase of the development.
Last year, Kensington and Chelsea Council turned up the pressure on the Labour Mayor and Labour-run Westminster City Council, who have refused to put any cash towards improving accessibility at the station. We said we will fund 10 per cent, up to £12mn, of the total cost of delivering step free at South Kensington station.
Confirmation that TfL will "step up for step free", as we called for during our campaign, is a major win for residents and local councillors. Full step free access will make it much easier for residents and visitors, especially those with mobility needs, to spend time in our special neighbourhood.
