The New Hammersmith and City Line Station is located on Wood Lane, London, opposite the BBC Television Centre, between the existing stations at Latimer Road and Shepherds Bush.
It is the first new station to be constructed on an existing and unextended Tube line for over 70 years. The new station forms part of the transport infrastructure enhancements related to the Whitecity leisure and retail development and the urban regeneration of the area as a whole.
The new station is located on the existing 19th Century Hammersmith and City Line brick viaduct and above three existing Central Line cuttings that pass beneath the viaduct. London Underground required both railways remain fully operational throughout the construction process with major safety critical works taking place during night-time "Engineering Hours".
A detailed analysis of the London Underground stakeholder operational environment was made in order to tailor the design and subsequent construction works around the safe operation of the railways and provide uninterrupted access for their maintenance. The design and construction process also took into account the close proximity of neighbouring commercial premises to minimise interruption and interference with their activities.
The principle material finishes are shot-peened stainless steel, gold anodised aluminium, and granite.
The station commenced on site in September 2006 and opened to the public on October 12th 2008.
Richard Parry, Director of Strategy and Service Development, LU said:
"The opening of another world-class transport link in the area makes it one of the best connected in London, which is great news not only for local people and businesses, but for visitors to this vibrant and expanding area of the capital.
This is a stunning new station. It is spacious enough to cope with large capacity crowds - crucial especially with football matches at Queens Park Rangers Football Club and the large numbers of people using the new shopping centre.
Ian Ritchie Architects delivered an innovative and effective solution in response to a challenging brief, making this a worthy addition to the Tube's design heritage."