After more than 10 years, the lifts at Shortlands train station have finally opened, a huge improvement to accessibility at the station.
Funding for the lifts was first announced in 2014 by the then Conservative-led Government as part of the Access for All funding. The announcement followed a long-running campaign by former Shortlands Councillor Mary Cooke.
However, as seen across London, Network Rail has been famously slow to deliver the projects, an issue raised at the London Assembly Transport Committee in 2023 by London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley, Thomas Turrell.
Work began to install the lifts at Shortlands in early 2024 and was completed in April 2025.
Network Rail and Southeastern will organise a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The lifts will be a welcome addition to the station, benefiting disabled passengers, parents with prams and anyone heading on holiday with heavy suitcases.
The lifts have made better use of the space behind the station, including moving the bike storage to a much more secure location. There are also plans for a new community garden.
Councillor Gemma Turrell welcomed the lifts coming into operation, saying:
“These lifts will be a game changer for many rail users across Shortlands. Our railways were built by the Victorians, who did not consider accessibility. That’s why the Access for All funding is so important to improving the Railways; however, Network Rail cannot continue to deliver these projects at a snail’s pace.”
“These lifts are long overdue and an important part of Bob Stewart and Mary Cooke’s legacy for the local community. I look forward to having a less stressful time travelling to Shortlands with suitcases”.
Network Rail has previously reported to Bromley Council’s Public Transport Liaison Committee that Kent House, Clock House, and Penge East are among the train stations they want to prioritise for installing lifts, subject to securing funding from the Government.
