Crossrail is the first transport project that is aiming to not only improve transport services, but to transform areas by delivering integrated station designs, focusing on the station itself, improved public spaces and new developments above the stations.
The project is not only creating a new 120km network connecting 40 stations, it is doing so to substantial environmental targets, as sustainability manager Mike da Silva told the Construction Climate Talks recently. It is also uncovering fascinating parts of history from across the route, with many archaeological items on display right now at the Museum of London Docklands.
It has been shown that, since the announcement of the Crossrail in 2007, properties at all 40 of the stations along the Elizabeth line have seen prices increase at double the average rate of England as a whole. The first section of the route is due to open in December 2018.
According to research by Beresford Estate Agents, house prices near Crossrail services in Essex have risen by as much as 53.8% in just three years.
The eastern section of the Elizabeth line, as Crossrail is officially named, runs on the existing rail network between Shenfield in Essex and Stratford. Stations across the route will see significant improvements, including upgraded ticket halls, new lifts and footbridges, extended platforms for the long Elizabeth line trains, and major rebuilding work at Romford station.
Romford
Romford has seen a great deal of development and investment in the last few years, mainly thanks to the London Borough of Havering and the Romford Town Centre Partnership. Romford is the fourth-largest retail centre in London, and is increasingly becoming a place where people want to live and work. According to Havering Council, Romford station serves 5.65m passengers a year, and from December 2019, when Crossrail is fully open, passengers will be able to travel through central London without the need to change trains. Paddington will be within just 37 minutes, 19 minutes quicker, and Bond Street will be just 34 minutes away by train.
Romford is home to many well-established schools, including Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ St Bede’s Catholic Primary School and Warren Junior School, adding extra incentive to families looking to get on the housing ladder in Romford.
Just a mile from Romford station, and Gidea Park station is Clermont Place, made up of nine stylish four- and five-bedroom homes and now marketed by Bairstow Eves. Each property has a garage, private parking and a garden, ideal for families. Prices start from £625,000 for a four-bedroom house.
Gidea Park
Formerly known as Romford Garden Suburb, Gidea Park is a neighbourhood near Romford, around 15 miles north east of Charing Cross.
Gidea Park railway station is in London travelcard zone 6, currently with stopping services running between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield. Once Crossrail is complete, Gidea Park will be linked to additional stations in London, as well as Heathrow Airport and Reading.
From 2019, at peak times 12 trains an hour will run to and from central London, calling at all stations. An additional four trains an hour will run between Gidea Park and the existing Liverpool Street station, westwards in the morning peak and eastwards in the evening peak.
According to Beresfords, properties in Gidea have risen by 34.02%. Director Terry Holmes says he is not surprised by these increases. He says: “There is a huge demand for housing in Essex from commuters. Although Essex has seen substantial price hikes it is still a very affordable option compared to other Home County locations.”
Those looking for new homes in the Gidea Park area will be spoilt for choice. Via Spicerhaart comes Tara Court, with prices from £260,000, a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments. These homes will have allocated parking spaces, and are near Gidea Park station, giving residents easy access to Crossrail.
Woodgate Park is a new development from Porter Glenny New Homes. It is an impressive selection of two-bedroom apartments just minutes from Gidea Park station. These homes offer en suite facilities, a fitted kitchen, allocated parking and an audio and video entry phone system.
In the nearby area of Harold Wood, Countryside Properties has established the Kings Park development, exclusive apartments that are available on the Help to Buy scheme. David Everett, managing director of Countryside’s new homes and communities central region, says: “Many homebuyers are looking for the perfect balance between proximity to green spaces and access to London. Kings Park offers both of these, with nearby parkland to explore and direct connections to London by train.”
Just five minutes’ walk from the development is Harold Wood station, giving residents access to Crossrail, decreasing journey times into central London by up to 19 minutes, ideal for commuters.
Chadwell Heath
A suburban area around 12 miles north east of Charing Cross, Chadwell Heath sits within the Romford postcode. It is home to West Ham United’s training ground, and Chadwell Heath Academy, a school renowned for its high performance, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
In addition to improving Chadwell Heath station, Crossrail has worked with Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge boroughs to improve the area surrounding the station. Chadwell Heath station is in the borough of Redbridge near the High Road, but many of the nearby streets are in the Barking & Dagenham borough. The proposals include widening and resurfacing the footways, major improvements to the junctions and a new zebra crossing outside the station.
Just minutes from Chadwell Heath is Lovell Homes’ new development, Lymington Mews. New plots are currently being released, and the development offers a range of homes from one-bedroom apartments to bigger family houses.
Abbey Wood and Woolwich are other areas that have been benefits by the Crossrail Generation