New southern entrance at Ilford station now open for customers

Transport for London (TfL) has opened a new entrance and ticket hall for customers at Ilford station, providing a convenient link for residents in the nearby homes and other local station users as well as step-free access to platform one.

The new southern entrance provides an additional way for TfL Rail customers to access the station for those travelling from Ilford into central London and Essex.
It was originally proposed in 2015 and has been built using funding from the Greater London Authority Housing Zone Grant and the TfL Growth Fund as well as further support from the London Borough of Redbridge.

Customers alighting buses on Ilford Hill can make use of the new entrance, which will also provide further capacity to support the expected rise in passenger numbers when the Elizabeth line opens.

The new ticket hall provides a step-free entrance to Platform 1 only ahead of new lifts being installed at the station by Network Rail as part of the wider station improvement project. Three lifts will provide step-free access to all platforms when complete.

There is also a new gateline and ticket machines as well as enhanced customer information screens with real-time travel information. This includes a “Continue Your Journey” screen beside the exit showing live bus departure information for the nearby bus stops.

Councillor Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council said:

“It’s an exciting time for Ilford Town Centre. Redbridge Council is working with partners to transform the area into a cleaner, greener thriving hub for people to live, work, visit and enjoy.

"The brand new entrance to Ilford Station and overall improvements to the station, which we supported with a contribution from our Community Infrastructure Levy, make it easier to navigate and travel safely and are an important step ahead of the Elizabeth Line opening.” 

Howard Smith, Elizabeth line Chief Operating Officer, said: 

“We’ve seen lots of development around Ilford station since we launched TfL Rail in 2015 and this new entrance will support more people using the railways in the years to come.
Further improvements, being led by Network Rail are well underway at the station for the main entrance and new lifts.
"It is exciting to see Ilford nearing completion supporting the regeneration of the local area.”

The new entrance is in operation from 06:00 to 23:00, with staff available at all times the entrance is open.

This new upgrade is the latest step in a series of improvements to Ilford station by TfL since taking over the station in 2015, including:

• The new northern entrance building at York Road opened in 2016
• A new waiting room and waiting shelter on Platform 3
• Refurbishment of the customer toilets
• New TfL-style seating across all platforms
• Refurbishment of all platform canopies 

Work to fully rebuild the main Ilford station entrance on Cranbrook Road and provide new lifts to all platforms by Network Rail continues. As part of this, the London Borough of Redbridge will also be upgrading the area outside of the front of the station improving access.