NEW plans for improvements to Ealing Broadway station have been revealed by Crossrail.

Since submitting initial proposals last year, Crossrail has been working closely with Ealing Council, evelopers and nearby landowners to broaden the scheme.

There has also been close consultation with community groups, allowing them the opportunity to comment.

The new plans, designed by Bennetts Associates architects, include the addition of a long, curved canopy running the length of the forecourt that reflects the prominence and importance of the station building.

The Crossrail plans allow for the current dated façade to be replaced with a new glass structure and a new entrance twice the size of the existing one, which will allow much more natural light into the building.

Inside the station, improvements comprise: A ticket hall more than twice the size of the existing one with capacity for 17 standard ticket gates and one wide gate

Four new lifts to provide step-free access from street level to all platforms

Improved staircases for platforms 1 and 2/3

Platform extensions to accommodate the new high-capacity Crossrail trains

New toilets

New customer information screens, station signage, help points and CCTV.

The revised designs will be open to community consultation before Ealing Council takes its decision on planning.

Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council said: “The council was determined to secure a high-quality station for Ealing Broadway and has worked hard with Crossrail to ensure the designs match Ealing’s aspirations.

“The council is also currently finalising further plans which will transform the entire area around the station, as well as improve safety and transport links, and upgrade the look and feel of the area. These will be announced shortly.”

Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director, said: “Ealing Broadway will be a key stop on the Crossrail route and we understand the need to provide local people with a much better station building than they have at the moment.”

Crossrail will serve 40 stations and run from Reading and Heathrow in the west, through new twin-bore 13-mile tunnels below central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.