Peckham Rye passengers to benefit from £5m station investment

Network Rail has issued the following press release about a large investment to improve one of Southern's busiest railway stations in south London:

Passengers using Peckham Rye station can look forward to a brighter and easier to use station thanks to a £5 million investment that will transform the station and support Peckham’s regeneration.

The Department for Transport has committed nearly £4m to the improvements, with Southwark Council and The Railway Heritage Trust contributing over £1m more.

Over the next 18 months, the investment will deliver improvements to make the station, managed by Southern Rail, easier to use, reduce crowding at busy times and restore its historic character. The work will also help create a welcoming gateway to Peckham Rye Station Square, a new civic space being developed by Southwark Council.

These works will deliver immediate benefits for passengers and protect planning consents for future improvements at the station.

What’s changing for passengers and Peckham?

A brighter, more welcoming station

The booking hall will be restored to its 19^th century heritage look, fully repainted with improved lighting. The cash machine and its housing in the corner of the booking hall will be removed and ticket machines relocated to create more space, walkways and stairways repainted and canopies on platform 3 and 4 will be refurbished.

More space and less crowding

Two new doors and an extended gate line will ease congestion at the entrance. Platforms 3 and 4 will be remodelled to create extra space, with refurbished toilets. New information screens on platforms 1 and 2 will encourage passengers to spread out along the platform, reducing crowding.

A station that opens onto Peckham Rye Station Square

The works will help integrate the station with Southwark Council’s plans for a vibrant public square, creating a safer, more attractive environment for everyone.

Future proofing for the future major upgrade

By completing these improvements now, the planning consents for future improvements valid, and work on these proposals can restart quickly when funding allows.

Project timeline

• Late December 2025 - £3.919m secured from the Department for Transport
• April 2026 - Further funds expected (£1m+) from Southwark Council and Railway Heritage Trust
• Summer 2027 - Booking hall and platform works completed.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, said: “We look forward to delivering this investment to give passengers a brighter and less crowded station, ahead of the proposed major upgrade that we still hope to secure funding for in the future.

“These short-term changes will make a real difference to people’s journeys and ensure the station is part of Peckham’s regeneration story for years to come”.

Lord Hendy, Rail Minister said: “I'm pleased that nearly £4m of Government funding is being invested to make journeys through Peckham Rye simpler and more convenient for passengers.

“Over the coming months, commuters will see real improvements to their daily travel, supporting Peckham’s future and benefitting the wider local community”.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director for Southern and Thameslink, said: “Peckham Rye is one of our busiest stations with more than seven million passengers passing through each year.

“This significant investment will relieve congestion and create a much more pleasant station environment which, taken together, will make a real difference to passengers and the wider community.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said: “The new £5m investment into Peckham Rye Station will be transformational in delivering major improvements to the station and making it a better place for residents and commuters. We welcome the significant investment the Department for Transport has committed to making this happen.

“We know there will still be more work to be done in making accessibility improvements to the station and we will keep making the case for further investment, but this is a great step in giving the people in the Peckham area the infrastructure they deserve.”

ENDS