Key local attractions such as the Tate Modern and the Globe as well as the many businesses on the South Bank could be set to receive a huge boost if Network Rail agrees to change the name of the new Blackfriars station to Blackfriars & Bankside.
Simon Hughes, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, and Caroline Pidgeon AM, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Leader, have now received an assurance from Network Rail that serious consideration is being given to the proposal. Ian Coucher, Chief Executive of Network Rail has stated that he is “sympathetic” to the proposal and has initiated further work to be carried to examine the practical implications of the name change.
Simon Hughes, commenting on the response from Network Rail, said:
“The redeveloped station will be the first to span the River Thames. It will also be the first station built with access from the South bank of the River Thames for 120 years. This is a golden opportunity to ensure that the name of the station highlights the direct access to attractions like the Globe, Tate Modern and the many new businesses and residential developments in the area.
Caroline Pidgeon, who is working with Simon Hughes on this issue, commented:
“It is vital that Network Rail and Transport for London seriously consider this proposal. Putting a name on a map really does help in drawing tourists and other people to a locality. Without question this name change could be a huge boost to businesses and the other many attractions around Bankside, as well as local residents who are proud to live in the Bankside area.”
You can read more about the campaign on the BBC website, London SE1 website and the London Reconnections blog.