Crossrail has submitted a planning application to Westminster City Council for a major over-site development at Paddington. The 320,000 sq ft development is located at the junction of Bishop’s Bridge Road and the Grand Union Canal, with the new London Underground Hammersmith & City line station to the south. It will comprise 15 storeys of high-quality office space with the retail and office entrance at canal level.

The building has been carefully designed to incorporate access to Crossrail, National Rail and Hammersmith & City line services at Paddington. The application also provides for considerable urban realm improvements at the front of the new Tube station and along to London Street, as well as providing a new public lift and staircase from the canal towpath up to Bishop’s Bridge Road.

Ian Lindsay, Crossrail Land and Property Director said: “This major new commercial development will play an important role in the continued transformation of Paddington. Crossrail is the first UK rail project to deliver an integrated package of new and improved rail infrastructure alongside high-quality over-site development and public realm improvements which will boost urban regeneration. This development will signal the completion of a further phase in the renaissance of Paddington as a major commercial location.”

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Paddington Waterside Partnership, said: “Paddington is one of the fastest growing business and residential areas in the capital. Crossrail will deliver improved and direct transport connections with areas to the west and east of the capital as well as with London’s other major employment centres. This development not only enhances Paddington’s position as an important business location, it also delivers new connectivity within the Paddington area by providing improved pedestrian access to the Grand Union Canal through a spectacular waterside scheme.”

As part of the wider Crossrail works, a new taxi rank has already opened linked to the mainline station by lifts and escalators. The new Hammersmith & City line station, due to be completed in early 2014, will improve pedestrian access from the canal towpath to both National Rail mainline and Hammersmith & City line services.

When Crossrail opens in 2018, up to 24 trains per hour will operate during peak between Paddington and Whitechapel.