The Custom House station in East London will be unique and the design and build will bring some individual challenges. The project must be completed without causing major disruption to the existing Docklands Light Railway’s (DLR), Custom House station and the adjoining Excel Centre -  London’s most modern conference venue, hosting up to 50,000 visitors per day.

A joint team from Atkins, Arup, Allies & Morrison, Crossrail and Laing O’Rourke collaborated to develop the striking design for the station, creating a beacon for both Crossrail and the community. This had to work around a number of constraints including a very narrow site; existing utilities; existing DLR remaining fully operational throughout construction; a busy footpath and congested Victoria Dock Road and a public right of way. 

Once opened the station will welcome regional and international visitors to London’s largest conference centre, ExCel London, and create an important transport interchange for the Elizabeth line, DLR and local buses. It will also provide a focus for the regeneration of the local area, the London Borough of Newham.  

Offsite manufacture requires fewer deliveries and vehicle movements around the site, reducing traffic, noise and effects on air quality. By shifting construction activity from site to the factory working conditions are improved and health and safety risks reduced. The more controlled conditions of the factory also ensure more consistent and higher-quality production.