Balham station upgrade underway

Balham station in South London is undergoing an extensive upgrade, which is due to be completed by Spring 2021.

The station first opened in 1856 as Balham Hill and was actually situated on the west side of Balham High Road. It was re-sited in 1863 to its present location as part of works to widen the line and improve the route between East Croydon and London Victoria station.

Further remodelling of the line was undertaken in 1890 and 1897 to increase capacity and, after several name changes, the station reverted to ‘Balham’ in 1969.

A notable local landmark is the staion’s high brick wall along Balham Station road, on which are four cold cast bronze reliefs – “Impressions of Balham” – that depict local residents.

Improvements to the station, which serves as an interchange for train and tube services across south London and beyond, will include:

• Platform canopies – new sheeting will be installed;
• Canopy gutter – new galvanised steel system will be added;
• Platform tactile paving to be replaced with latest version;
• Platform surface drainage system will be replaced with a brand-new system;
• Existing station drainage system will be replaced with an updated version.

Paul Harwood, regional investment director for Network Rail, commented: “The project at Balham station will bring a range of benefits to passengers and improve their travel experience.

“Station users can expect to see these works completed early next year, and they will also include vegetation clearance from the surrounding area and station cleaning.

“These improvements will ensure we can continue to provide a railway which meets the needs of passengers well into the future.”

Chris Fowler, customer services director for Southern and Gatwick Express, added: “On behalf of our customers, we welcome Network Rail’s wide-ranging renewal of station structures at Balham.

“Though some are unseen by passengers, all are important for their comfort and safety. We’ve refurbished the accessible toilet as part of our own network-wide, multimillion-pound station improvement programme, which will also provide new seating and a platform shelter here once the current work is complete.”