Agenda item

This report updates on proposals for step free and other access improvements at Alperton underground station, including details of a concept design produced by Transport for London (TfL), and seeks agreement for the Council to contribute up to 50% of the costs (capped at £5 million) through the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) towards the cost of delivering these improvements.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the current position and next steps regarding the development of proposals for step free and other access improvements at Alperton station.

(2)        To agree that the Council makes a contribution of up to 50% of the costs, capped at £5 million of SCIL towards the cost of the improvements (in (1) above.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 27 May 25

Councillor Benea (as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Property) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration providing an update on proposals for step free and other access improvements at Alperton underground station, including details of a concept design produced by Transport for London (TfL), and seeking agreement for the Council to contribute up to 50% of the costs (capped at £5 million) through the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) towards the cost of delivering the improvements outlined.

In presenting the report to Cabinet members were advised that the proposals presented for consideration involved a contribution of up to £5m funded through the Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy to support and enable the provision of step-free and access improvements at Alperton Underground Station.  Given its status as a key gateway to one of the borough’s fastest-growing areas, with Alperton expected to deliver over 6,000 new homes and become a future hub for employment, enterprise and culture, members noted the need to ensure the ongoing programme of regeneration across Alperton was supported by provision of the necessary infrastructure, with the proposed investment therefore identified as having the potential to unlock significant benefits for existing residents, future communities and local businesses and serve as a critical enabler for sustainable growth across the Alperton Growth Area.  In terms of current provision, members were advised that the existing station (which currently experienced over 3 million passenger entries per year) currently lacked any form of step-free access, was recognised to suffer from peak-time congestion and was poorly equipped for the needs of disabled residents, parents with young children and older passengers with the proposed improvements by TfL for which the funding contribution (up to 50%) was being sought, therefore designed to future-proof the station and ensure that it could meet the standards expected within a growing and inclusive borough.

In addition to accessibility, members were also advised of the wider benefits associated with the strategic investment proposed in terms of the priorities towards addressing air quality and reducing emissions by improving the access and convenience in use of public transport.  In highlighting what was felt to be the compelling case supporting the proposed investment, recognising that the nearest step free station to Alperton was more than 1.5km away and close alignment with the Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy, Active Travel Plan, Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy as well as Borough Plan commitments in supporting health, prosperity and equity in one of Brent’s most dynamic communities, Councillor Benea ended by outlining the positive impact which it was felt the use the proposed used of SCIL would have in delivering a clear, tangible upgrade in infrastructure in a way that would provide benefits for years to come.

In support of the proposed investment, members were keen to highlight the way in which the positive benefits in terms of the Council’s ambitious growth agenda were being used to address not only local accessibility at a strategically important station but also wider priorities around supporting and encouraging sustainable transport, tackling the climate action, supporting social equality and inclusion and in addressing what was recognised as the current deficiency in step free accessible stations and transport interchanges across the borough.

Taking the opportunity to recognise and highlight the value of regeneration and development in providing the means to promote and secure additional investment (through the generation and use of SCIL) in support of wider infrastructure improvements benefitting local areas in which that growth was focussed, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the current position and next steps regarding the development of proposals for step free and other access improvements at Alperton station.

(2)        To agree that the Council makes a contribution of up to 50% of the costs, capped at £5 million of SCIL towards the cost of the improvements (in (1) above.