Speaking after the Crossrail debate in the House of Commons last night, Greenwich and Woolwich MP, Nick Raynsford said:

“I welcome the Government’s agreement to look further at the option for a Woolwich station on Crossrail.  This is an important step forward as it will allow detailed examination of the design and construction of a Woolwich station and the scope for further cost reductions. 

The costs of the Woolwich station have already been significantly reduced.  A few months ago, it was estimated as costing in excess of £300 million.  Two weeks ago the figure was £200 million.  Last night the Secretary of State confirmed that it was now down to £186million.  This is little over 1% of the estimated total cost of Crossrail.

The Woolwich station has already been recognised by the Commons Select Committee as offering exceptional value for money and has a much more positive cost/benefit ratio than the overall Crossrail scheme.  With further cost reductions or offsetting development contributions which I am confident can be identified, the case for the Woolwich Station will in my view become irresistible.

So over the coming months the Campaign for the Woolwich Station will be working flat out to ensure that we achieve our objective.”