The arrival of Crossrail at Abbey Wood highlights both the opportunities and problems associated with existing station and the way it is integrated with its surroundings.

The new station, and the proposed improvements to the adjacent public ream, will help create a new more positive identity for Abbey Wood that builds upon its heritage, exploits its location and celebrates its diversity.

The station also has the potential to become the catalyst for significant regeneration in the urban environment in the immediate area but all of these benefits will only be achieved through common vision and a dedication to collaboration from all the stakeholders.

Design for London has worked with LB Bexley, LB Greenwich, Transport for London, the Homes and Communities Agency. Crossrail and Network Rail in order to progress the vision for Abbey Wood and to promote the use of good design to fix the problems immediate to the station, to improve strategic routes across the local area and to address aspirational differences between the different agencies.

Images courtesy of 5th Studio and Marks Barfield Architects.