“The station, described as a “gateway” to one of London’s key cultural quarters, will receive a makeover, as commercial and retail units will be restored to enhance its heritage. Funding will also be provided to make step-free access to the District and Circle lines via a new station entrance on Thurloe street.
Plans to create step-free access to the station’s pedestrian subway will also make local attractions like the Science Museum, Imperial College, and Natural History Museum more accessible for the public from the underground.
The plans comes as part of Sadiq Khan’s £200m promise to install step-free access in 30 stations across the network.
TfL is also hoping to improve the commercial and retail units, including restoring the Grade II listed shopping arcade entrance at the station to its original state.
Work has already begun on other stations, including at Finsbury Park where construction on a new entrance with step-free access began two years ago.
A business partner is hoped to be selected later this year, who will then go forward with TfL to develop and deliver the proposals, with a view to finishing the proposed work by 2022.
Graeme Craig, commercial development director at TfL, said: “South Kensington Tube station is one of our busiest stations and also the gateway to some of the most important and treasured cultural institutions anywhere in the world. We want to find a long-term partner with whom we can work to create a station that reflects its historic legacy and unique setting, whilst generating vital revenue to reinvest in transport and provide step-free access for millions of journeys.”