Custom House for ExCeL DLR station reopened January 8, having been closed since February 3, 2017 for vital work to modernize and expand the station. The station, which links directly to the west entrance of ExCeL, was closed to facilitate an easier interchange with the Elizabeth line at Custom House and further improve journey times in advance of the Elizabeth line opening in December 2018.
These improvements will help to reduce overcrowding at the busiest times, particularly once Elizabeth line services arrive at the station and new developments in and around the Royal Docks have been built. The upgrade will also shorten walking routes between DLR platforms and the surrounding area.
Jeremy Rees, acting CEO, ExCeL London, said: “The reopening of Custom House DLR station is very welcome and will hugely benefit the four million people who visit us every year. The upgraded station will greatly improve access and the experience for our guests which, from December 2018, will be further transformed by the opening of the Elizabeth line, making ExCeL London the best-connected venue in the world.”
Mark Davis, interim general manager of the DLR, said: “We appreciate the patience our customers have shown while the station has been closed. Once fully complete, this important work will have increased capacity at the station by 50 percent–making journeys better for customers and ensuring the station is fit for the arrival of Elizabeth line services from late 2018.”
The construction of the Elizabeth line has entered its final stages and will open to the public in December. ExCeL will have its own onsite Elizabeth line station at Custom House, making it easier, faster and more convenient to get to events at the venue. It will provide an “Events Super Highway” linking the world’s busiest airport at Heathrow to ExCeL London in 43-minutes. In between, visitors will be able to access the very best of what London has to offer, with access to more hotels, Michelin starred restaurants and world-renowned theatre and shopping, all within record time.
ExCeL London is the capital’s international convention and exhibition center, located in London’s Royal Docks. Since opening in November 2000, ExCeL London has hosted more than 4,000 events including trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences, association meetings, product launches, AGMs, gala dinners, award ceremonies, sporting events and religious festivals. More than 20 million people from over 200 different countries have visited ExCeL London. ExCeL London was acquired by ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in 2008. For more info and to watch a short video outlining the benefits of the Elizabeth line, visit www.excel.london/elizabeth-line
