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                                                                            Greenhithe Station Modernisation

To handle the increased traffic generated by the nearby Bluewater shopping centre and the anticipated traffic growth from the Thames Gateway development, the former SER station, in some parts dating back to 1849, is undergoing an almost a complete facelift.

Situated in what was once a restricted site, it is only since the recent opening of  the new Everards Way road that vehicular access has been possible. Prior to this, access to platforms was only possible via steps on the North (downside). In the days of newspaper deliveries by passenger trains, these and all other items had to be manhandled from the platform level to the road some 20 feet or so below. The station was a regular winner of the best kept station garden award, and some surviving shrubs and hanging basket supports fashioned from rails testify to this.

                                                                                              Former SER lineside buildings

With the help of some funding from the nearby Bluewater shopping complex, the remodelling of the South Eastern franchises station with the fastest growing passenger usage is well under way. Enhancements will improve accessibility for disabled users and upgrade the station by improving ticketing facilities as whole. Going will be the earlier buildings including the current pedestrian underpass for cross platform transfer which is being replaced by a new footbridge incorporating lifts.

                                                                                                    New Footbridge

The station will also form an interchange point for the Fastrak bus network which is itself is being extended to cover the North Kent built up areas, both existing and planned.

A new underpass under The Avenue road is being constructed to take Fastrak buses away from the nearby busy A226 road. The route taken will be called Everards Way to commemorate the well known shipping concern and will follow a route once reserved for a dual carriageway road, now designated for public transport only.

                                                                        Fastrak bus outside Greenhithe station new ticket hall

  The area is now earmarked for massive housing developments, a world away from the Greenhithe of the past.

                                                                                                        Map circa 1910

The area was once heavily industrialised with the paper, cement and ship repair industries, and was part of “The White Country” so called due to the layer of dust covering the area from the cement industries. In fact nearby Swanscombe was known as "The Holy City" as everyday was like Christmas, with the ever present covering of cement dust. A large network of industrial railways once existed serving the industries all of which have now disappeared.

                                                                      Former Empire Paper Mills from river Thames jetty

Paper Pulp wagons

  Geared Aveling & Porter Loco at Johnsons Cements Works Greenhithe circa 1920's