# Paddington Station Upgrade: Transforming London’s Transport Hub
Paddington Tube station has undergone a major upgrade with the introduction of a new entrance and ticket hall, marking the first step towards a wider redevelopment project that promises to elevate the station’s amenities and accessibility. The new entrance, located beneath the impressive 18-storey Paddington Square development, offers passengers on the Bakerloo line platforms a much-needed step-free access point. This development is part of the larger transformation of the area, which will eventually include a rooftop bar and restaurant offering breathtaking views of central and west London.
## The Rise of Paddington Square
The new entrance and ticket hall are situated under the shadow of the Paddington Square tower, previously known as the Cube, which was developed by Sellar, the same firm behind the iconic Shard at London Bridge station. The tower sits adjacent to the mainline train station, providing a modern contrast to the historic surroundings. The completion of the Paddington Square development in early 2025 will see the unveiling of a rooftop bar and restaurant on the 18th floor, offering patrons panoramic views of London’s skyline. Accessible via two glass elevators on the building’s exterior, this rooftop establishment is set to become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
## A Vibrant Mix of Retail and Dining
Owned by Great Western Developments, the Paddington Square building boasts 33 retail units and 14 storeys of office space, creating a vibrant hub for shopping and dining. Established outlets like Wahaca, Gail’s, Pret, Kate Spade jewelers, Russell and Bromley shoe shop, Starbucks, and Krispy Kreme are already catering to visitors, with Market Halls set to introduce seven international “street food” cuisines on two floors in the near future. This diverse range of offerings will further enhance the appeal of Paddington Square as a one-stop destination for entertainment, dining, and shopping.
## Enhancing Passenger Experience
The new Tube station entrance opens onto Paddington Square, a paved area that has revitalized the access point to the train station. The previous narrow tunnel that Bakerloo line passengers had to navigate has now been replaced with a spacious and modern ticket hall, designed to streamline the passenger experience. With 11 ticket gates compared to the previous five, the new ticket hall accommodates the growing number of travelers passing through Paddington station, which is the second busiest in the country after Liverpool Street.
Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized the importance of providing step-free access in London’s transport network, especially at bustling hubs like Paddington. The improved ticket hall at Paddington Tube station is a testament to TfL’s commitment to enhancing the comfort and convenience of passengers using the Bakerloo line. This collaboration between developers, Network Rail, and TfL has successfully modernized the station’s infrastructure, making journeys quicker and more accessible for millions of commuters.
## A Vision for the Future
The Paddington Square development not only enhances the station’s facilities but also contributes to the wider regeneration of the area. Justin Brand, a director of Great Western Developments, highlighted the vibrant mix of retail, dining, working, and leisure spaces that Paddington Square offers, catering to a diverse range of preferences. James Sellar, chief executive of Sellar, praised the collaborative effort that led to the successful delivery of step-free access and congestion relief at Paddington station, marking a significant milestone in the area’s revitalization.
The Paddington Station upgrade represents a significant investment in improving London’s transport infrastructure and enhancing the overall passenger experience. With the introduction of a new entrance, ticket hall, and upcoming rooftop bar and restaurant, Paddington Square is set to become a premier destination for locals and visitors alike. As the city continues to evolve and grow, developments like Paddington Square play a crucial role in shaping the urban landscape and providing modern amenities for all.
