Green light for Crossrail station at Paddington

Plans to build a new Crossrail station at Paddington have been approved by Westminster council.

A modern steel and glass building — part-powered by solar panels and with a green roof to attract birds and insects — will replace the existing Hammersmith and Fulham line station.

The concourse will feature art installations and a piazza created between the entrance and the Regent's Canal.

A Crossrail spokeswoman said of the East to West line: "When Crossrail opens in 2017, Paddington will be just 10 minutes to Liverpool Street and 17 minutes to Canary Wharf."

Paddington is one of the most complex of all the central London Crossrail stations due to its sprawling layout, and the mainline and Underground services which already use it.

The entrance will be on the north side of the station — the south side, much of which is Grade I-listed, will be preserved. Platforms will be built beneath Eastbourne Terrace.