Listed London buildings threatened by Crossrail 2 proposal

The Three Johns — The locally listed Three Johns pub on White Lion Street, Angel

Historic buildings around London could meet the wrecking ball if Transport for London’s Crossrail 2 proposal gets the green light, says the Victorian Society.

Grade II-listed structures in Euston, Wimbledon and Tottenham Court Road will be under threat if work goes ahead on the capital’s major north-south train line project. The heritage group also says locally listed buildings in Angel and Dalston as well as a late 19th-century block in Victoria are at risk.

Three of the structures are pubs, including the Shakespeare in Victoria, the Black Horse in Tottenham Court Road and the Three Johns in Angel. The future of Soho’s Curzon cinema is also up in the air.

Wimbledon's Prince of Wales pub — Wimbledon’s Prince of Wales pub – a former 17th-century coaching inn rebuilt in 1870

‘The society appreciates that Crossrail 2’s huge advantages for London cannot be achieved without demolishing some buildings,’ said Christopher Costelloe, director of the Victorian Society. ‘However, every effort must be made to use those sites which would minimise Crossrail 2’s impact on London’s unique and historic environment.’

The Victorian Society has suggested altering plans, either by moving or modifying building sites to ensure structures of architectural significance are untouched.

But TfL insists nothing is set in stone. Michèle Dix, managing director for Crossrail 2, said: ‘While some buildings, including some Victorian buildings, are shown to be within proposed Crossrail 2 worksites they may not necessarily be needed during construction.

‘Demolition is always our last resort and where buildings are needed we will try to ensure the façade is retained to maintain the character of the local area.’