Latest Crossrail 2 Consultation Is Delayed Until 2017
Calls for end to uncertainty over major rail project
The latest Crossrail 2 consultation, originally scheduled for this month, has been postponed until at least the second quarter of 2017.
The £12 billion Crossrail 2 plans, which will have a significant impact on Wimbledon town centre, including demolished about half of Centre Court shopping centre.
It could involve the area around what is now "The Fridge" being redeveloped to bring retail and leisure opportunities about a new four-platform tram terminal.
The new line, which would also give a proposed journey time to Tottenham Court Road of 14 minutes for trains stopping at Wimbledon, is aimed at relieving congestion on the Victoria, Northern and Piccadilly lines.
But Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said Prime Minister Theresa May and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said they wanted to prioritise and updated business case and a robust funding plan before further public consultation.
After the delay of the consultation was announced, Merton Council Leader Stephen Alambritis said: “Crossrail 2 offers a huge opportunity for Wimbledon and Merton. We understand, that for such a long-term infrastructure project, further detail needs be worked through as the government undertakes a review of the business case.
“There is cross-party support in Merton for Crossrail 2, but not at any cost. We made our objections clear in the first consultation that the original proposals would have caused unacceptable levels of upheaval and disruption to our residents and business community. We look forward to Crossrail2’s continued engagement in 2017 and will continue to put Merton first in our work with Crossrail2 ensuring the welfare of our residents and the interests of our businesses are taken into account.”
Helen Clark Bell, Chief Executive of Love Wimbledon, said: "We are disappointed with the delay in proceedings. As a business community we need an end to the uncertainty of Crossrail 2 developments and require clarity on the impact of the phasing during build which could have a serious impact on Wimbledon town centre."
The new railway would provide capacity for 270,000 more people to access central London during the morning peak, with an increase in the number of trains from destinations across south west London and Surrey.
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November 4, 2016