Network Rail has informed Conservative councillors that work on new lifts is expected to start in 2026 writes David Floyd

Mill Hill Broadway station, platform with sign and seating area, in semi-dark — Mill Hill Broadway station

UPDATE: amended at 12:30 pm on 11th November to include statement from Network Rail

Mill Hill councillors have expressed their thanks to local residents after Network Rail confirmed it was going ahead with step-free access at Mill Hill Broadway Station.

The organisation responsible for national rail infrastructure emailed Conservative councillors Val Duschinsky and Elliot Simberg informing them that plans to install lifts at the National Rail station had finally been given the green light.

Work on lifts enabling all passengers to access platforms 1, 2 and 3 at the station is now expected to begin in 2026.

Plans for step-free access at the station were announced in 2019 as part of the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme however, five years later in April 2024, the then MP for Hendon, Matthew Offord, submitted a written question to the government asking why works had not yet started.

In response, transport minister Huw Merriman said: “There are many technical issues to overcome at this station, given it is located on the Midland Main Line and adjacent to the M1 motorway, all of which are currently under consideration.”

Now Cllr Duschinky and Cllr Simberg are thanking all involved for enabling the plans to move forward.

In a statement published on the Barnet Conservatives website today they say: “We know how important this upgrade is for residents with mobility challenges, parents with prams, and all those who have found the current station layout a barrier to travel and concern to safety.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many residents who have campaigned passionately for step-free access over the years. Your voices have made a real difference and have helped bring about this positive change for our community.

“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Network Rail for listening to our concerns, engaging with the community, and ultimately securing the necessary funding for this vital project. It is wonderful to see local advocacy and partnership with national organisations delivering results that will benefit everyone in Mill Hill Broadway and beyond.

Following initial reports, that works would be completed in “early Summer 2026” Network Rail contacted Barnet Post to clarify the situation.

A spokesperson for Network Rail told Barnet Post that while the project had been given the go ahead, there was not yet a predicted completion date. They said: “The status is that the project has been confirmed and summer 2026 is when outline design work will be taking place.”

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