London Bridge station named building of the year

The station received the RIBA London Award 2019 and was also named RIBA London Building of the Year 2019.

Based on a design by Grimshaw, the station re-opened in May last year following a £1bn transformation as part of the Government sponsored Thameslink Programme.

In a five-year build, the Thameslink Programme, a partnership between the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Southeastern and Siemens, created the largest street-level station concourse in the UK. Work included a major track upgrade, a new rail underpass on the approach to the station and platform widenings and extensions, all of which means 30% more trains can use the station than before.

Throughout the rebuild the station remained open to ensure rail services were maintained for the 50m customers who use it each year.

London Bridge is the oldest station in central London and the fourth busiest in the UK. The station was originally built as two separate stations. The rebuild means that for the first-time passengers can reach all 15 platforms from one concourse.

John Halsall,  Network Rail’s route managing director, south east, said: “I am delighted that the London Bridge station has been crowned building of the year. The station has been transformed into a transport hub fit for the future. This award recognises the vision of those who designed and planned this transformation and the skill and dedication of those who carried out the work. It is a breath-taking building in its own right and is also helping bring new life to this area of London.”

RIBA judges described the new concourse as “truly impressive.” They added: “This skillful design was implemented in phases, allowing the project to be delivered on time and budget while minimising disruption to the passengers using the station during construction.”

Mark Middleton, Partner at Grimshaw said: “We’re thrilled and incredibly proud for London Bridge station to be named as RIBA London Building of the Year. The station has succeeded in connecting people and the communities around the station by delivering a brand new civic space, one that also operates as one of London’s busiest stations. Everything was considered from ease of operation to ease of navigation, and we think this really shines through. Delivering the station was a massive feat from all involved in the Thameslink Programme, and we’re confident that we’ll see be seeing the station continue its success at the RIBA National Awards later in the year”

Architects for the project were Grimshaw and the main contractors were Costain and Balfour Beatty.

Structural and acoustic engineers and landscape architects were WSP and Arcadis

Regional winners will be put forward for the RIBA National Awards, in July. Those collecting national awards will then be considered for the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist.

The RIBA awards are the latest in a long line of awards for the project. These include:

• ICE greatest contribution to London award
• New London Architecture Awards, overall winner Transport and Infrastructure – sustainability
• National Rail Awards, Major Station of the Year
• Civic Trust Awards London Bridge redevelopment
• World Architecture Festival, LBS Transport category