Metronet, one of the companies appointed by London Underground to run the tube, has announced a £55 million modernisation of Oxford Circus tube station in 2005, the work, which will be spread out in stages over the next three years will give Soho a totally refurbished station fit for the 21st Century by mid 2008.
The refurbishment will entail much more than mere cosmetic changes with the promise of comprehensive and improved CCTV and help points, high quality public address systems in all areas with electronic information displays in ticket halls and on platforms which will provide service and train information. There will also be improvements to certain features within the station to give improved accessibility, betting seating and, in some locations, waiting areas.
The construction work is due to take place during the night in order to keep the station, which receives up to 55,000 passengers per hour, open to the public, with the hope that this will minimise any disruption to passengers. The upgrade of Oxford Circus is Metronet's flagship project, and is the first of one hundred and fifty stations under their control to be upgraded in a project the firm expects to take six years.
Further Information can be found at: [www.metronetrail.com]