Network Rail, re-signalling project and Boots site in Clapham Junction

2 mins read
Signalling centre - Back of Boots, Flacon Lane SW11 (Google Map)

Removing the Victoria signalling functions at Clapham Junction is underway, which could pave the way for Network Rail to redevelop the plot along with the adjoining Boots’ site that they acquired in 2018.

Network Rail has written to local residents in Clapham Junction to let them know that they have started the next phase of their Victoria Re-signalling project. They will install new signalling equipment, laying new cables, pilling foundations and delivering materials and equipment, notably between Clapham Junction and Streatham Common.

The major project (£160m investment) aims at upgrading and replacing life expired signalling equipment on the South London lines into London Victoria and should be completed by 2025. It involves concentrating all signalling control of the area to a new state-of-the-art operating centre in Three Bridges, near Crawley.

It specifically means that the Power Box built in 1980 in Clapham Junction as the Victoria Area Signalling Centre will move to the new Rail Operating Centre at Three Bridges.

signalling_centre2

The investment will give passengers a more reliable service once completed, with an uplift in train services between Clapham Junction and London Victoria in the future (learn more about the project HERE). 

Network rail project for the site, including Boots

Whether it involves removing completely the building at Clapham Junction, needs to be confirmed.

However, there is no doubt that Network Rail has plans for the area, as they bought the Boots’ site in 2018 for £11,750,000 (Land Registry: RegisterTGL155287).

Although, according to our information, Boots wishes to stay in the premises, it would not be the first time that a big retailer is ousted for developer’s projects (remember Homebase, B&Q or Debenhams). The 2025 Network Rail project seems also to coincide rather well with the end of the 25 year lease to Boots UK Limited on 6th May 2024.

A  high-level feasibility and massing study (dated October 2016) was presented in 2018, mostly in order to value the site, as we guessed at the time

Boots Clapham Junction occupies a 0.77 acre site situated on Falcon Lane situated a few metres to the east of Clapham Junction railway station (where Network Rail has got ambitious plans for redevelopment). The site is bounded by Lidl to the west, which is still awaiting for its redevelopment (permit has been granted in September 2017), and Asda to the east. Planning permission for the erection of a single storey retail unit was originally granted in March 1998 (ref. N/98/0041). 

It does not mean that we will see immediate change after 2025 as Network Rail could of long-term plan to fit the site within their larger master plan including a redevelopment of the station and changes after the completion of Cross Rail 2. The site could be an ideal temporary location for storage, material and work facilities in the meantime. 

You can read other details and speculations on the future of the area on the excellent article published on Lavender-Hill.uk.

 

 

Do you think what we are doing is helping the community and you want to encourage us to do more?

Your help means we can spend more time researching stories, talking to contacts, sitting through meetings and writing stories. Any money given will support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in area of Clapham Junction. Battersea, Wandsworth and around.

Support us, help us to expand: subscribe to CJI with a monthly donation

Donate

Monthly amount needed to make it sustainable:

We'd be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor.

CJI editor and Clapham Junction Action Group co-founder and coordinator since 2008, Cyril has lived in Clapham Junction since 2001.
He is also funder and CEO of Habilis-Digital Ltd, a digital agency creating and managing websites and Internet solutions.