Until the 1970’s London Bridge had 3 more terminating platforms.
You can see where they were in this photo taken recently. The station roof is still present.
At the local history unit you can see old plans showing 9 terminating platforms.
Under the Thameslink changes at London Bridge 6 through platforms become 9 and 9 terminating platforms become 6. As a result the South London Line is planned to be CLOSED in 2012.
Its clear from the above picture that actually enough space exists to keep 9 terminating platforms – by reopening the three closed in 1970’s.
Hopefully, the London Bridge station redevelopment will need new planning permission at some point and objectors can suggest this solution and KEEP the South London Line open. Apart from keeping all those commuters with direct train services – it keeps three great hospitals joined together.
I’ve wondered about this too. The space formerly occupied by these platforms is now taken up with a large amount of office and storage space. But if alternative accomodation could be found for this then I would have thought new platforms could indeed be created. Have you written to Network Rail to ask them for their views on this? There may be problems with this idea which you and I cannot forsee.
As bad as losing the SLL would be, if one service has to be lost it is right that it is this one. All the stations along its length would, I believe, still be served by trains either from London Bridge or Victoria, but connectivity would obviously be lost as they would not necessarily be served by both. East Dulwich, though, is not served by the SLL, as you know, and therefore should be unaffected.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I’ve been behind the scenes and most of this space is not in use and the whole area is one huge office development so keeping these offices in preference to station platforms would be bizarre.
One possible snag is these platforms were removed to allow signal box to be built. When I visited that signal box they were expecting a new signal box and to be moved out and the signal box removed – it worked with strouger servo mechanical stuff designed inthe 50’s. One of the reasons its so fragile. If the singla box stayed then short platforms only. IF it goes then full on 8 car trains.
Simon Hughes has kindly agreed to ask a Parlimentary Question about this.
So where exactly is the signal box located? Is it in the brown building to the left immediately before you enter the platform coming into LB? I would have thought that building is the main one that would need to be demolished in order to get any extra platform space.
I’d be interested to see the Government’s response to Mr Hughes’ question. I would suggest you write to Network Rail to find out what their (inevitable) objections will be to this proposal.