A major redevelopment will see Kingston Cromwell Road bus station temporarily close from 28 August 2023 until summer 2024. 

Buses will not stop in the station while it is under construction, but new stops will be located nearby while other services will be redirected to as close to their original route as possible.

Louise Cheeseman, TfL's Director of Buses, said: "We're determined to make it even easier to use public transport in the capital and our work to transform Cromwell Road bus station is a key part of our plans to strengthen the network in Kingston. The new state-of-the-art bus station will be a significant improvement on the existing station."

Proposed Cromwell Bus Station plan. (Photo: TfL)

A press statement from TfL said the redevelopment update the station with the latest technology as it has not been redeveloped since the 1990s when it first opened.

The 'modernised' bus station will feature real-time travel information screens, accessible customer toilets, improved LED lighting and CCTV, a new PA system and new retail units.   

The project will see the construction of energy-efficient bus station buildings. TfL is adding a green canopy over the waiting area. 

The development will also include a wider passenger island with more space for customers waiting for buses and moving around the bus station, as well as resurfaced pavements and improved drainage, including a sustainable urban drainage system. 

Simulation of the new Cromwell Bus Station. (Photo: TfL)

Cllr Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate action and Sustainable Transport at Kingston Council, said: "Kingston Council welcomes the investment in new facilities to improve passengers' experience and accessibility and we appreciate that this will cause disruption to our residents in what is a very busy part of the road network.  

"To that end we will work closely with TfL to ensure that the disruption is minimised and completion is done in a timely manner."

TfL stated in a press release that the changes are part of wider plans to improve London's bus network, enhance customer experience on journeys and enable more sustainable modes of transport. The Superloop service SL7 will serve the new bus station when work is complete. 

Cheeseman said: "I'd like to thank people in the area for their patience as work is carried out. I'd encourage people using buses in the area to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys."  

Two new temporary bus stops with shelters are said to be located to the east of the bus station on Cromwell Road and the bus lane will be extended to minimise impacts to bus journey times.   

The project is funded and led by TfL, in partnership with RBK and the project contractor VolkerFitzpatrick.

Cromwell Bus Station Map. (Photo: TfL)

TfL gain funding from passenger income and other operating incomes, grant incomes from the Government and the Greater London Authority, and Prudential Borrowing.

The Mayor of London and TfL are committed to enhancing the bus network and supporting more Londoners to travel more sustainably. 

More than 95 per cent of Londoners live within 400 metres of a bus stop, and the Mayor's Hopper fares offers unlimited journeys within an hour for just £1.75. 

TfL is advising customers to plan ahead and detailed travel advice is available at tfl.gov.uk/kingston-cromwell-road-bus-station 

Changes to your travel

From Monday 28 August 2023, buses will not stop at the bus station and some buses which normally stop in the bus station or Cromwell Road will serve temporary stops, be diverted or stop short of their normal destinations.

Stops A1 to A16, and Z1 will be closed for the duration of the works. Stop R on Wood Street will also be closed.

Two new temporary bus stops (PW and RC) with shelters will be located to the east of the bus station on Cromwell Road and the bus lane will be extended.

During the works, allow extra time and use nearby alternative bus stops.

For route/routes

·       71, 281 (24 hour), 371, 406, 418, 465, 671, K5 and N65 towards Chessington, Tolworth, Richmond, Epsom, Dorking or Ham - use new temporary stop PW on Cromwell Road

·       85 (24 hour), K2, K3, K4, K5, KU1, KU3, X26/SL7 and N87 towards Putney Bridge, Kingston Hospital, Roehampton Vale, Morden, West Croydon or Aldwych - use new temporary stop RC on Cromwell Road

·       111 (24 hour), 216, 285 (24 hour), 411, 461 and 481 towards Heathrow Central, Staines, West Molesey, Addlestone or West Middlesex Hospital - use stop Q on Wood Street (opposite Kingston rail station)

·       57 (24 hour), 131 and 213 (24 hour) towards Clapham Park, Tooting Broadway or Sutton - use stop E2 on Eden Street or stop B on London Road

·       K1, 458, 514, 515 and 715 towards New Malden, Staines, Hersham, Weybridge and Brooklands or Guildford - use stop D1 on Eden Street (near Primark)

·       513 towards Cobham and Downside - buses depart from stop D1 on Eden Street (near Primark)

·       65 towards Kingston (Brook Street) - use stop V near Kingston station or stop D2 at Eden Street (near Primark).

·       71, 406, 418, 465 and K1 towards Kingston - the last stop will be E3 on Eden Street

·       111, 216, 285, 411 and 481 towards Kingston - the last stop will be N on Wood Street (outside John Lewis)