Woolwich Elizabeth Line Station

Woolwich is unique as the only new station on the Elizabeth Line, and is a key element in a masterplan for the regeneration of the former Royal Arsenal site, alongside 3,750 new homes and new cultural, heritage, commercial and leisure projects. Its regenerative role means that what takes place above ground is just as important as what happens beneath: the station with its associated public realm connects it and the area’s new community to the wider town centre, and together with a series of Grade I and II listed buildings frames Dial Arch Square – a historic green space that is adjusted to form a gateway to the area. Initial proposals for Crossrail did not include a station at Woolwich, although the alignment passed through the site as the masterplan was being developed. Initial work demonstrated how a new station at Woolwich could incorporate the ventilation access and egress required needed in this location, while integrating with development and delivering transformational benefits to the local area that enhance the value of the new line. The architectural vision for Woolwich station springs from its location within the historic Woolwich Arsenal site and the rich heritage of the former military buildings nearby. The Arsenal had become separated from Woolwich town centre: this building and its improved public realm now reconnects the site to the wider neighbourhood. The single storey entrance building respects the smallest and oldest buildings of the site around Dial Arch Square, and signals the station’s role as a major public building. A simple bronze portal with a 27 metre wide clear span provides a monumental entrance that allows this rather quiet building to hold its own against the much larger modern blocks of the masterplan. Beyond the portal is a very calm and simple space, leading people through and down the escalators to the station platforms. Sinuous concrete beams overhead are delicate yet powerful elements, and alongside contrasting perforated steel panels and thin lighting strips, lend visual interest to the space and contribute towards an uplifting passenger experience. The station’s robust architecture responds to the former military buildings that define the Royal Arsenal site. This is reflected in the tough yet simple palette of brick, concrete, steel and bronze - while incorporating details that reference the site’s military history. Perforated external cladding contains images of ‘Britainnia and the Lion’ – familiar from the pre-decimal penny but also used on ceremonial coins struck at Woolwich commemorating the fallen of the Great War. The façade also incorporates over 350 cast bronze panels referencing the rifling within the barrel of an artillery piece known as the Woolwich System, developed on the site in the 19th century. Below ground, pillars in the station concourse have a tiled motif in the colours of the Royal Engineers and Royal Artillery – both regiments which were originally based at the Arsenal site.