DESIGNS for a new station building at West Ealing have been submitted to Ealing Council as part of a major overhaul for Crossrail.

The plans, drawn up by Bennetts Associates, are for a bright, modern, spacious new ticket hall.

The glass and steel structure will let in natural light and will be surrounded by a large canopy. The new building will be located in Manor Road, to the northwest of the existing station building.

A range of other major improvements will be made to the station, including:

A new footbridge with lifts to provide step-free access to every platform

A new bay platform for trains on the Greenford branch line

Platform extensions so the station can accommodate the new 200m long Crossrail trains

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

The improvement works will be carried out by Network Rail. From the end of 2017, the station will be run by Transport for London as part of London’s integrated transport network.

Crossrail has also been working with Ealing Council and Network Rail to help develop the area around the new station, with better connection to other forms of transport, provide cycle parking and improve pavements and roads.

Matthew White, Crossrail Surface Director said: “Crossrail will provide a step change in public transport for people in West Ealing – new trains, quicker journeys and a brand new station fit for the 21st Century.”

Cllr Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “Only two London boroughs will have five Crossrail stations and Ealing is one of them. “It is very exciting to see plans come forward for yet another station, this time at West Ealing.”

When Crossrail fully opens in 2019, four services an hour in each direction will serve West Ealing, allowing passengers to travel right through central London without having to change trains.

Passengers will be able to get to Bond Street in 13 minutes and Liverpool Street in 21 minutes, while the journey to Canary Wharf will take 27 minutes.