THE re-design of Ealing Broadway and Southall Crossrail stations is in the hands of world recognised architects HOK and John McAslan.

Working closely with Crossrail, Ealing Council insisted that designs for the stations should be visually striking and enchance the surroundings.

McAslan and partners are working with Crossrail to improve the aesthetics and ease of access to Southall station.

“The current design for the outside of the station won’t ignite a yearning passion in the hearts of anyone in Ealing,” admitted council spokesman Bassam Mahfouz.

The borough believes proposed developments at Southall Gas Works, Middlesex Business Park and the town centre will benefit from the work.

Ealing is collaborating with Crossrail on designs for all five Ealing stations.

Ealing Broadway is furthest along the Crossrail project process.

Architects HOK will review the latest plans from Crossrail and focus on turning the station into a striking landmark.

Cllr Bell said: “I firmly believe we can work with Crossrail to develop an innovative design that will significantly improve what is proposed without significantly increasing costs or delaying construction by even a day.”

Work is underway to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to Ealing Broadway in preparation for Crossrail.

Ealing Broadway forecourt is closed to traffic for three weeks.

Drivers can drop off and pick up again once works are complete.