Cutty Sark DLR station to reopen early after major upgrade

The Greenwich station has been closed while Transport for London (TfL) installs four brand-new escalators and carries out a series of improvements to make journeys quicker, brighter and more reliable.

Reopening ahead of schedule means the station will be back in use before both the London Marathon and the Easter holidays — two of the busiest times of year for Greenwich.

New escalators and a brighter station

The centrepiece of the upgrade is the installation of four heavy-duty escalators designed to cope with high passenger numbers and improve reliability at the busy station. They are currently undergoing final reliability testing ahead of the reopening.

While the station was closed, TfL also carried out a wider refurbishment, including:

• A new lift providing faster and more reliable step-free access

• Bright white wall panels to improve light levels

• New energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the station

• A new fire detection system and upgraded safety features

• A deep clean of all public areas

• A raised ceiling above the upper escalators to create a more open space

• New artwork celebrating Greenwich, installed with Visit Greenwich

TfL said the work forms part of its wider programme to modernise stations and improve accessibility across the network.

Workers will complete some smaller tasks overnight after the station reopens.

“Great news for Greenwich”

Trish Ashton, TfL’s Director of Rail, said the improvements would make a noticeable difference for passengers.

“We’re delighted to announce that an improved Cutty Sark station will reopen earlier than expected on Monday 23 March,” she said.

“These improvements will make a real difference to customer journeys and support the continued growth and vibrancy of the Greenwich area.”

London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said the early reopening would benefit both residents and visitors travelling to Greenwich town centre.

Local London Assembly Member Lord Duvall said fixing the escalators had been a long-running issue.

“Having the DLR station back in action is great news for local residents and also visitors to the area that supports our local economy,” he said.

Barrie Kelly, chief executive of Visit Greenwich, added that reopening the station would boost footfall to the town centre and nearby World Heritage Site ahead of the busy spring and summer tourism season.