Exciting new developments are underway for a new trainline project which was put on hold in 2020. The Crossrail 2 project was put on hold in 2020 but space has now been reserved for future Crossrail 2 infrastructure which could cost £1.1 billion. London could see this huge development take place as part of a scheme to expand the St Pancras site of the British Library.
The library could expand around 10,000 square feet with new public areas and the existing gallery space is set to double, reports My London. Part of the scheme includes new green spaces and it will create a huge number of job opportunities.
But not only this, the plan aims to contribute £23 million towards affordable housing.
The British Library said when announcing the project: “The scheme also delivers a significant contribution to future transport infrastructure in the area, creating a major new shaft and safeguarding space for future Crossrail 2 infrastructure.”
A map from 2015 for the Crossrail 2 project, which would be a sort of sequel to the Elizabeth line, shows the service would run from Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale to Clapham Junction.
It would go via the central London hotspots of Euston, St Pancras, and Victoria.
In October 2020, work on the plan was paused to further develop the design.
A TfL spokesperson told MyLondon: “Crossrail 2 is a long-term aspiration which, if delivered, would help unlock thousands of new jobs and homes – not only in London, but across the South East.”
They added: “Discussions continue with the new government to refresh the Crossrail 2 safeguarding directions, which protects the land required from development that could impact the delivery of the scheme.”
Regarding the British Library scheme, Rebecca Lawrence, Chief Executive of the library, said: “I am delighted to announce this significant milestone in our bold ambition to transform the British Library.
“Our partnership with Mitsui Fudosan will enable us to fulfil our long-held vision to extend the Library’s site in St Pancras.”
She added: “The plans will open up the library even further, creating an expanded national library with state-of-the-art new spaces, harnessing the power of collaboration to build a new public realm linking communities and the Knowledge Quarter and deliver significant investment in the UK.”
The transport upgrade would create an exciting expansion and one that would enhance the transport options the capital has.