Step-free future confirmed for Wandsworth Town station with major upgrade planned
Work to make Wandsworth Town station fully step free is set to begin in February 2026, with Network Rail and South Western Railway confirming a major accessibility upgrade for the busy south west London stop.
The station, located between Clapham Junction and Putney on the South Western Railway network, will be equipped with lifts to all platforms, removing barriers for passengers with reduced mobility as well as those travelling with pushchairs or heavy luggage.
Delivered in partnership with Wandsworth Council, the project will also see the creation of a new, modern second entrance on Odyssey Way. The additional entrance will feature new ticket barriers, improving access from the north of the station and helping to accommodate rising passenger numbers.
Funding for the scheme has been provided through the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, which is designed to create step-free routes from station entrances to platforms. At Wandsworth Town, this will mean the installation of lifts serving every platform.
Initial preparatory works will start in February with hoardings and ducting installed around the site. A temporary scaffold bridge is planned for April, followed by piling work to create the foundations for the new lift structures between May and November 2026. Installation of the lift shafts is scheduled for February 2027, with the full upgrade expected to be completed by summer 2027.
The station will remain open throughout the construction period, although some entrances and platforms may be closed temporarily at various stages of the work. Passengers are also being advised that there will be changes to South Western Railway services, with further details to be confirmed as the programme develops.
Usage figures highlight the importance of the station, with more than 3.75 million passenger entries and exits recorded between April 2024 and March 2025. This makes Wandsworth Town the 15th busiest station on the South Western Railway network.
Speaking on behalf of Network Rail and South Western Railway, Paul McAleer, Principal Programme Sponsor, said:
“We are looking forward to starting work to improve access at Wandsworth Town station. This is a busy and growing station, and these improvements will make a real difference for passengers who currently face barriers using the railway.”
Jenny Yates, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
"Improving access to Wandsworth Town station is hugely important for our residents and the future success of the town centre as it grows. By working in partnership with Network Rail, we're pleased that these upgrade works will get underway in 2026 to improve this busy Victorian station for the benefit of the whole community."
Image: Network Rail