Old Street Station
Lighting to enhance safety, accessibility and design at one of London’s busiest transport hubs
Old Street Station is a major transport hub in the heart of London’s “Silicon Roundabout”. As part of the station’s significant upgrade in 2024, WSP, acting on behalf of Transport for London (TfL), approached Schréder to design, manufacture and install a custom, high-performance LED handrail solution. The goal was to create a safer, more welcoming environment for every traveller.
In collaboration with WSP and WW+P Architects, our team developed a bespoke design using the proven ALINEA LED module system for handrail integration, which has been used on various applications across the rail network. The result is a lighting solution that balances performance, compliance and architectural quality, and is tailored to one of the capital’s busiest stations.
Engineered to meet stringent rail standards
Designed specifically for use in challenging rail environments, the ALINEA modules underwent independent fire assessment to meet TfL’s stringent S1085 standard for the fire safety performance of materials used in stations and tunnel infrastructure. This ensures full compliance with Section 12 (subsurface) requirements for stations such as Old Street.
Structurally, the handrail meets all TfL and London Underground (LUL) load requirements. It has undergone durability testing at up to 3 kN/m (typically 1.5 kN/m), which guarantees its long-term performance in high-traffic areas.
Seamless installation with minimum disruption
A total of over 350 metres of warm-to-touch handrail was installed across three station entrances – Cowper Street, Main Entrance and North Entrance – incorporating 234 ALINEA modules, including emergency lighting.
Offsite fabrication ensured efficient installation and reduced disruption on site, helping the contractor, Morgan Sindall, to meet project deadlines and manage costs. With over six million people passing through Old Street Station every year, this integrated approach improves accessibility and safety at all times.
Designed for modern urban transit
In addition to the internal handrails, the station forecourt was equipped with SHUFFLE smart poles integrating:
360° lighting modules for good visibility;
accent lighting for walkways;
blue light rings to complement the station’s identity;
mid-hinges for safe, ground-level maintenance access.
With their sleek black finish, the SHUFFLE poles seamlessly blend in with the station’s architecture, promoting wayfinding and a sense of place.
A connected, people-centred rail experience
From the busy interior spaces to the vibrant exterior forecourts, the new lighting at Old Street Station supports a safer and more intuitive passenger journey. This integrated, energy-efficient solution demonstrates TfL’s dedication to modernising infrastructure and improving public safety and experience.