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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 12 (April 1, 1929)

The New Piccadilly Circus Station

The New Piccadilly Circus Station.

The fame of the London underground railway system is already far-spread, but now this important transportation undertaking has again come into the limelight as the owner of the largest underground station in the world. This enormous depot is the new Piccadilly Circus page 20 Station, in the heart of the metropolis. The station has occupied five years in the construction, and is of a most unique character. Two tube stations—those of the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines—have been superseded by the new structure, which is capable of handling fifty million passengers a year. So interesting is its interior, that this new station now ranks as one of the acknowledged show-places of the capital.

The main circulating area is only a few feet below the surface, and is fed by six subways. It is almost circular in shape, being an ellipse about 155ft. by 144ft., with a height of 9ft. Forty-two feet beneath the main hall is a lower hall, connection with which is afforded by means of five escalators. From this lower hall further flights of escalators, and stairs and passages, give access to the two railways beneath, each of which is at a different level. The lower hall comprises four arched bays and is 90ft. long by 32ft. wide. For the casual visitor greatest interest is attached to the main circulating area and booking hall. All around the hall there have been set up brilliantly illuminated showcases, occupied by the merchandise of the leading London stores. The floor of the hall is paved with large white tiles, and the ceiling of white fibrous plaster is divided into rectangular coffers. On the inner sides of the head-wall are oil-paintings of especial charm. The central compartment contains a map of the world, showing in a distinctive colour the British Empire, with the names of the capitals of the various Dominions and Colonies inscribed. Flanking the map are smaller panels bearing pictures illustrating the activities of the Underground in the sphere of urban and suburban transport. The lower hall has walls of silver-grey tiles with mauve borders, divided into poster panels, edged with blue. Lighting is effected by concealed electric lamps. The whole effect of the interior decoration is especially pleasing, and reflects the greatest credit upon the Underground authorities and all concerned in the design and construction of the station.

The World'S Biggest Underground Station. General view of the circulating area of the new Piccadilly Circus Station in London.

The World'S Biggest Underground Station.
General view of the circulating area of the new Piccadilly Circus Station in London.