Foundations laid for Blackfriars Station’s Bankside entrance

The Thames Path at Blackfriars closed last autumn to allow work to get under way on the southern ticket hall for the new Blackfriars mainline station which will span the Thames.

The new entrance at Bankside will feature a new glazed concourse area with retail space and ticket facilities. The Thames Path will be rebuilt under the first span of the railway bridge.

Updated images of the new station at Bankside have been released by Network Rail.

"Work on the south station marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of Blackfriars," says Jim Crawford, Network Rail's Thameslink major programme director.

"The speed and efficiency of construction is fast changing the shape of the station, with exciting progress visible on a daily basis.

"By the end of 2011, it will be quicker and easier for passengers using Blackfriars to get to homes, businesses and tourist attractions in the South Bank and the surrounding area."

The Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Jeff Hook, visited the building site last week. He said: "It's great that the south station at Blackfriars is taking such a big stride towards completion, because it will make such a difference to the users of this line.

"We're pleased to have been able to work with Network Rail and support them in this unique and exciting project."

In recent weeks part of the viaduct to the south of Blackfriars Railway Bridge has been demolished to make way for the new structure.

A piling rig will soon be delivered to Hopton Street, and a tower crane is also due to be installed soon. You can find out about road closures and disruption at Better Bankside's development news service.