Tube Lines has started it’s refurbishment of Clapham South station.  This is the 88th station to undergo an upgrade by Tube Lines since it started back in 2003 and comes as the company nears completion of its programme to upgrade 96 stations by June 2010.

Cuneyt Atacan, Project Manager at Tube Lines, said:

“This is a significant refurbishment that will greatly enhance commuter’s journeys at Clapham South station.  There are of course some unique challenges we have to overcome.  We are, for example, working hard to ensure that our work programme minimises disruption to residents who live above the station whilst at the same time balancing the needs of commuters.

“But we do have the skills and expertise on the ground to see this project through.  It won’t be long before commuters at Clapham South will be able to benefit from a much cleaner, safer and more reliable station,” he said.

Built in 1926, Clapham South station is a listed heritage site and is one of only eight underground stations to have a deep level air raid shelter built underneath it during World War II.  Designed to hold up to 8,000 people, each shelter consists of a pair of parallel tunnels 5m in diameter and 420m long, however they were never used as public shelters as they were too expensive to maintain.

As a result, several were used for different purposes to support the war effort – Goodge Street became General Eisenhower’s headquarters; some were converted for government use while others were used as army barracks to house troops in transit.  Today, most are used as storage facilities

The refurbishment of Clapham South station is due to be completed in May 2010.  To date, the total number of stations upgraded by Tube Lines stands at 76, with 12 stations currently being worked on and work on the remaining eight due to start later this year or early next year.