The plans involve the extension of the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line from its current termination point in Kennington through the Nine Elms regeneration area to Battersea. The two new stations will have step-free access and two permanent shafts will be created at Kennington Green and Kennington Park to provide ventilation, cooling and emergency access if required.
The original plans had also included a permanent shaft at Claylands Road. However, the shaft was removed from the plans following concerns raised by local residents in previous consultations.
The proposed extension is part of the essential infrastructure needed to support the Vauxhall and Nine Elms regeneration, which is expected to deliver up to 16,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs in the area. TfL said the new stops are intended to reduce pressure on Vauxhall station and to provide relief to the Bank branch of the Northern Line, which continues south of Kennington. The plans also allow for a possible future extension beyond Battersea.
"We are really keen to hear what local residents and business have to say about our proposed plans for the Northern line extension before they are finalised," said TfL managing director of planning, Michèle Dix in a statement.
"We are now moving into the final phase of consultation on this hugely important transport upgrade," said Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia. "It is the key that will unlock 25,000 new permanent jobs for London and billions of pounds in economic growth. Wandsworth and Lambeth Councils, TfL and HM Treasury are now working up the financing package which will include hundreds of millions from the area's private sector developers. This is a great piece of business for London."
The consultation will run until 16 December 2012. TfL said it hopes to submit an application for a Transport and Works Act Order, which it needs to start construction, in spring 2013. Construction is expected to start in spring 2015.
