London welcomes newest mainline station in over a decade

A team led by Barnet Council, and including Mace as delivery partner and VolkerFitzpatrick as construction lead, has officially handed over Brent Cross West station to Govia Thameslink Railway and was celebrated with an opening ceremony attended by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on Sunday 10 December 2023. 

Situated on the Midlands Main Line, the 7,000 sq. metre Brent Cross West train station is equipped with four platforms and provides services that connect with central London in as little as 12 minutes, with up to eight trains an hour at peak times. There will be direct connections to Luton Airport as well connections to Elizabeth Line services via Farringdon station.

Brent Cross West and the associated rail infrastructure has been led by Barnet Council. It is one of the first rail projects in England to be delivered entirely by a local authority. The scheme, which has seen four years of close collaboration, was programme managed by Mace, serving as Barnet’s delivery partner. VolkerFitzpatrick was responsible for the construction works. 

Delivered within a live railway environment, the team worked closely with Network Rail throughout the entire programme to ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, as well as the continuation of rail services. This collaboration underpinned efforts to overcome logistical challenges, with over 10km of new track laid and 700 tonnes of steel delivered, made possible through clear communications and partnership working. 

At the heart of the Mace and VolkerFitzpatrick approach was a commitment to delivering the programme in the most sustainable and socially responsible way. In keeping with Barnet Council’s commitment to build a positive lasting legacy for communities, the programme created employment over 100 Barnet residents, with 20% of the workforce from Barnet or the neighbouring Brent and Camden boroughs. The station, which includes a public overbridge – will connect communities separated for 150 years by the railway line, while active travel will be encouraged through ample bike storage and better walking and cycle links to surrounding areas. 

The station is an essential part of the Brent Cross Cricklewood Regeneration Programme, providing the gateway to Brent Cross Town, the 180-acre, £8bn net zero park town that is being delivered by the partnership between Barnet Council and Related Argent. Brent Cross Town will deliver 6,700 new homes, create 25,000 jobs, and aims to be net zero by 2030.

The new station and associated rail works have been funded as part of a £419 million government funding agreement which Barnet Council has secured through close collaboration with Central Government partners from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, HM Treasury and the Greater London Authority.

Leader of Barnet Council, Barry Rawlings, said: 

“The opening of Brent Cross West marks the end of a significant journey for Barnet Council and our partners and is a huge achievement. For existing communities, it provides new ways to get around the area and more sustainable travel options, while also unlocking the opportunity to bring much needed homes and jobs to the area.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said:

“Brent Cross West station, the first major new mainline station in London in over a decade, will be transformative for northwest London, better connecting Brent Cross with the rest of the capital and unlocking wider development in the area. The station will serve as a gateway to a Brent Cross Town, a brand-new neighbourhood delivering new homes, creating jobs, and aiming to be net zero by 2030.   

“Investment in London and in London’s transport network is critical in driving economic recovery in both the capital and the rest of the country. That’s why I’m delighted about the opening of this new station and development, which supports my aim to continue building a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Davendra Dabasia, COO for Mace Consult, said:

“It’s not often London sees a brand-new station come to life, so this is a special moment for the city and the rail sector. And, while this fantastic station will have the immediate impact of enhancing connectivity for local people, it’s exciting for us at Mace to be at the heart of something that is sparking a much wider regeneration opportunity that will benefit Londoners but those in the South East, Midlands and the North as well. Brent Cross West Station is a testament to infrastructure’s role as a catalyst for growth.”          

Sean Gray, Director of Transportation at Mace Consult, said:

“The completion of Brent Cross West adds another successful case study to Mace’s growing portfolio of station schemes. Over the years, we’ve developed a team with all the right trackside credentials that enable us to bolster our core consultancy service with hands-on delivery expertise. I’m proud to say this at the fore of our approach at Brent Cross West, helping us to drive collaboration with the supply chain and establish best-for-project solutions.”  

James Hindes, Managing Director for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: 

“We are delighted to have been part of this ambitious project, for Barnet Council. Our team has engaged locally, collecting food donations, and renovating community facilities.  We are proud to have provided local employment opportunities, work experience placements and apprenticeships, over the course of the project, building a lasting legacy for generations to come.”