Upgrade for Acton Central Waiting Room and Toilets
New design aims to respect station's Victorian heritage
The new waiting room at Acton Central Station. Picture: First Rail
July 7, 2026
Acton Central London Overground station has unveiled a series of improvements designed to make travel more comfortable and accessible for all passengers. First Rail London (FRL) has introduced new toilets and a redesigned waiting room that blend modern convenience with the station ’s Victorian heritage.
The upgrades form part of Transport for London’s Equity in Motion strategy, launched in 2024 to make the network fairer and more inclusive. Two new toilets have opened at the station — one fully accessible and equipped with a baby-changing facility — marking a step forward in TfL ’s pledge to expand toilet provision across the network.
Working with TfL and Railway Heritage funding, FRL has reimagined the waiting room to create a calmer, more welcoming space. The room now features an accessible entrance, additional seating, and a lowered ceiling to soften acoustics. Improved lighting, a refreshed colour palette, and new planting contribute to a nature-inspired atmosphere, while clearer signage helps passengers navigate the space with ease.
The changes come amid the Mayor of London’s commitment to invest £3 million per year over five years in toilet facilities, ensuring that Tube, Overground, and Elizabeth line passengers are never more than 20 minutes from a restroom without changing trains.
Accessible toilets have also been added at Clapton, New Cross Gate, and White Hart Lane stations, with refurbishments at Crystal Palace and Penge.
Niall Rooney, FRL ’s customer service director, said: “Everyone should feel confident and comfortable using public transport. We want Acton Central ’s waiting room to offer something different — a space where customers can step away from the noise of the railway, take a breath, and feel grounded before continuing their journey. ”
The official opening of the new facilities. Picture: First Rail
TfL’s customer director Emma Strain added: “It ’s vital that as many people as possible feel able to use public transport and unlock access to the healthcare, employment and social opportunities that London offers. The new toilet facilities and enhancements to the waiting room at Acton Central will benefit people with a range of needs, and the changes are all part of our Equity in Motion strategy, which is breaking down barriers to travel.”
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