Plans to make the station more accessible were shelved following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but are now being revived reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to make Burnt Oak station step-free are in the works as part of the Mayor of London’s bid to make 50% of the tube network step-free by 2030.

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed it is “re-starting design work” at Burnt Oak station following a “review of costs and benefits”.

Due to the pandemic funding and designs were deferred, back in 2020. Now, while the plan will be redesigned, the funding still needs to be resecured.

TfL said delivery of the schemes was dependent on funding, with projects that had identifiable third party funding prioritised.

When asked if it would support the re-design, a Barnet Council spokesperson said although the council did not have the “resources to contribute” it would do “whatever” it could to “help make this much-needed improvement happen”.

Anne Clarke, the cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts and sports, as well as the London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, welcomed the news..

She said: “Burnt Oak has been waiting far too long for its step-free access, but news that the works will happen is welcome and will make a huge difference to many in the area.

“It also shows a commitment to invest in the community and transport infrastructure, following on from the upgrade to Colindale station.

“However, my campaign to install more step-free access across the Northern Line in Barnet is not done yet, and I will continue to press for step free access for Totteridge and Whetstone and Brent Cross Stations.”

The council spokesperson added: “Delivering step-free access at all Barnet’s stations, so that everyone can access our transport network is a key priority for the council.

“As our new Transport Strategy makes clear, we have demonstrated our commitment by providing substantial funding to the London Underground step-free access programme, with over £15m for Colindale Station and over £400,000 for Mill Hill East, either directly from our capital programme or from financial contributions we have obtained from developers.

“Although the council does not have the resources to contribute to the cost of step-free access at Burnt Oak, we will look actively at opportunities to secure funding and do whatever else we can to help make this much-needed improvement happen.”

TfL confirmed detailed feasability studies will start at Brent Cross, and Totteridge and Whetstone stations later this year too, however those plans are less further along, but all three stations are progressing.

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