Barking Station is being Upgraded

[@88jerryw88]

What a likable guest. Obviously loves his job and an asset to the network.

[@customtransport2777]

There’s no reason why this station doesn’t deserve to be upgraded because Barking has now surprisingly become one of the top ten busiest stations in the whole of the UK. Also I last visited this station on Thursday and I found out that the toilets there were removed

[@nicholasmichaluk]

source?

[@Daniel-wh4px]

It was top 10 during covid but obviously gone down the rankings

[@justahillbilly7777]

@@nicholasmichaluk Trust me bro.

[@jackh7481]

@@nicholasmichaluk I don't have a source but as I local I can tell you they have

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@nicholasmichaluk I mean you can see in the video where the toilets were, and that it’s currently empty.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

I love how Ben tries to be super Corporate in every response but Geoff manages to make him corpse every now and again!

[@idlemuse]

I think he did a great job :D great mix of professional and personal, didn't let geoff tease him too much :D

[@e5Group]

He is my boss. He’s a good chap. He cares and wants the best.

[@SeanSMST]

@@e5Group great to hear, lovely to see a boss in a sector like this care about the little things

[@midas4051]

Use this station pretty much everyday and its always struck me as one of the most rundown on the network. Very happy its getting a refurbishment. Hopefully after all the work its done, its actually a pleasant station to use! I do wonder what they will do with the stalls selling tat outside? They set up around the same time the refurb started and I hope they aren't a permanent fixture.

[@LARAUJO_0]

If this is one of the most rundown stations, the TFL must be pretty well-kept overall

[@highpath4776]

I think it is part of Barking Market that is being re-jigged from around North Street area and will probably return there as part of the general town makeover - or maybe more stalls into Vicarage Field Developement (which Geoff should have gone to the roof car park of for views over the railway tracks west. Biggest loss in Barking was the Odeon Cinema

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@LARAUJO_0 yes it is

[@SamSitar]

what is tat?

[@highpath4776]

@@SamSitar East London expression for cheap and tawdry knock off or goods that wont last their intended lifetime.

[@JagoHazzard]

I'll be sad to see the NSE and WH Smith signs go. They're my favourite thing about Barking station.

[@Rule1ModelRailways]

I did my work experience at the C2C ticket office in Barking with the last remaining APTIS machines. These plans are quite something, I hope it goes well! I know the building its self is listed so that is something they'll be constrained by, but I do understand why it is listed.

[@jonathanbutson1385]

You could really churn out the tickets on an aptis. Very good bit of kit

[@AchyutChaudhary]

After a super long while of years, we see Geoff presenting a Behind-The-Scenes/ Under-Construction video about Railways…yay! Keep them coming :)

[@jgodfrey546]

Love these types of vids, Geoff. Behind the scenes, bit of history, refurb updates...good stuff

[@EWSTrains]

7:40 The Network South East Railway Society will gladly have the NSE signs if c2c don't want them 👍🔴🔵⚪

[@LisaSargent03]

Bring back the Wimpy that used to be next door. Loved going to my nans from that station and having a Wimpy.

[@my__socrates__note]

Amen!!! Used to love that Wimpy

[@z4mster_179]

Wimpy is too upmarket for Barking now. It got replaced by Griller, a fried chicken shop, which is right next door to, KFC! :)

[@LisaSargent03]

@@z4mster_179 They've just opened a new Wimpy in Brentwood. That is too down market, lol.

[@z4mster_179]

@@LisaSargent03 TOWIE did for Brentwood. The place took such a dive - over burdened by the weight of fake tan and lip gloss - even Pizza Hut handed back the keys and got the hell out of there.

[@highpath4776]

Remember the HungerBurger in the Front opposite next to Vicarage Field , forgotten how many evening passing by nipping in for takeaway to home or late night back from somewhere or other

[@nathanwhiles5530]

Great video. I love seeing these pop up. Keep it up Geoff. So informative.

[@GreenJimll]

Great to see solar PV being put on the roof here. I hope that's going to be a common theme of station refurbishments across the network in the years to come.

[@highpath4776]

may be less useful should further tower block flats / offices go up

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@highpath4776 not if they get solar put on their roofs too. It’d still be a net gain, even if some older panels only produce around midday, because their functionality the rest of the day would be replaced rather than simply cancelled

[@highpath4776]

@@kaitlyn__L true I forgot that , ish . Modern Panels can work even in indirect light, argueably better as getting TOO hot in full sun reduces some effficiency unless a useful cooling mechanism can be in place.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@highpath4776 there’s quite a few hybrid thermal and voltaic systems, using cooling to improve the electrical output and get hot water! Although currently the cost makes them less common, kind of like how we could be getting free hot water from every normal electrical plant, but they only really do that in New York and the Nordic countries. Combined electricity and heat raise their efficiency from 40% to 90%, and it really is free hot water in that regard, yet running the extra pipes still rarely occurs in most locales.

[@highpath4776]

@@kaitlyn__L Would be idea for the station , particulary in autumn

[@dmdm49]

Great video Geoff! In particular, Ben comes off as one of the most knowledgeable, charismatic and pragmatic yet overwhelmingly honest people you've ever filmed.

[@Sierraomega1991]

Highly recommended that Geoff does the Glasgow central station tour

[@Gideonsmythe]

Excellent, I worked in the booking office in the early 90's just after the last refurb. Miss the old place, happy days with some lovely people.

[@Ravelinn]

Great Episode Geoff. i worked for a Maintenance contractor for 15 years working at this station during that time. i spent many a cold night repairing the platform or unblocking the toilets on the concourse with the infernal industrial macerators that kept blocking up the system. It will be great to see this station finally sorted. lets hope they sort the Rainwater Downpipes out though on the roof amongst the New solar panels.

[@e5Group]

Yes that is being sorted. I’m the asset manager working under Ben for the works. Loads more he didn’t say being done.

[@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus]

I grew up in East Ham and remember Barking station well from around 1970 onwards..... It was always a dark hole of a place downstairs, even on sunny days! The booking hall area was nice back then but it became unloved, and cluttered in the 1980s. The new gate line is just putting back what used to be there, there were always 2 ticket collector points, either side of the booking office but the west side one closed in the late 1980s. However nice they make the station, the area outside is run down and has an unpleasent air about the place these days........

[@highpath4776]

The outside could never work out if it was taxi rank. drop off point or bus station of sorts

[@emmaslater7927]

This video was amazing Geoff.I love your channel so much your obviously doing great video’s on here.💜🦋💕

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for sharing this video Geoff that was great information.

[@steveromain1239]

I have used this station most of my life. Please to see the improvements that are being made

[@amethyst7084]

Really good to learn of the forthcoming improvements for Barking Station. Will the upgrades include any TfL Underground roundels? Or is Barking a bit like Wimbledon and Richmond, in that regard? The stalls that are immediately outside the station's entrance don't do much for the aesthetic. Not easy on the eye at all. Looking forward to seeing the completed upgrade works in the spring of 2023.

[@z4mster_179]

Unlikely on the roundels. Upminster doesn't have them either.

[@zitzong]

C2C do manage Barking station so I would not expect any Tfl underground roundels to appear at the station.

[@shah2k13]

No, it will always be owned by NR (c2c)

[@byronsbrain]

Oh wow I didn't know Barking station was being refurbished, looking forward to seeing it completed!

[@santaclaus2k9]

Ben Martin knows his stuff. Great interview, Geoff.Your video quality of late is to be commended. Thanks!

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Cool! I've used Barking station a few times recently, particularly to check out the Barking Riverside extension. Certainly will revisit after the changes have been made... it sounds great! I agree with others that the stalls in front of the station don't do it any favours... if they remain it'll be difficult to view it in all its renewed glory.

[@Thebishop77]

I use the station everyday to commute to work. It's definitely about time for an upgrade. Good look out for the WHSmith signage Geoff 👍🏽

[@FouiAnimations]

How are you, Geoff ? I hope you're ok 🙂 Take care of you and have a good night 😊😊😊

[@tubetrainstracks24]

I really like this station since the late 70s. Lots of changes internally over years (businesses) as well the road in front of the station. Would like better security outside the station 24hrs. Thanks Geoff for this video.👍🏽

[@LucyEssex]

I was allowed to spend the night asleep in the waiting room on platforms 7/8 many moons ago, when I missed the last Tilbury train, and was woken in the morning by a personal announcement over the tannoy

[@EveLord-hx1me]

When are they going to upgrade Battersea Park Station ( the stop before London Victoria ).... Its getting busier with the local developments

[@DavidBeddard]

I think we should start a petition to get Geoff recognised as an honourary Freeman of the City of London. Any person who can get a gaggle of transport professionals to beep for him clearly commands sufficient respect to be worthy.

[@TimEaston]

Why are they refurbishing the ticket office when Network Rail wants to close them all.

[@mortenpoulsen1496]

Cool. I hope you do a behind the scenes when it is finished. Just to compare .😀

[@richardsedding8444]

Thanks @Geoff Marshall for your excellent content. You'd be barking not to like it! Happy Christmas.

[@geoffhoppy]

I travelled to school by train from Rainham to Barking on a daily basis between 1965 and 1972. Fond memories of Platforms 7 & 8. WH Smith was on the concourse at the time as well as a Wimpy Bar on the left as you entered the station. Would also interchange at Barking from the District Line to British Rail Eastern Region quite regularly and can remember several muscle sapping sprints down, through and up the subway (and its’ ridiculously long ramps) in an attempt to catch a connection.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Why is C2C doing those upgrades and not Network Rail? Or rather, how is it decided, whether a station is run either purely by NR, or by the Franchise TOC, or maybe by TfL/LU (or even a combination thereof)?

[@BTTT-c9q]

I love these upcoming videos of station works, really informative. Thank you Geoff and C2c

[@raythomas4812]

Nice to see Barking get a face lift. I used it from 1979 to 2012 travelling between Laindon and Fenchurch street. It's been so long , Limehouse was called Stepney East and there were 4 tracks between Limehouse and Fenchurch street. The Indicators were light boxes and Tilbury riverside was still a station . When I first started commuting from Laindon , the Coal Shed was still there ...

[@darenhaines8830]

I can't believe how Geoff got so excited he inadvertently stopped Ben from being able to answer any of his questions properly. I don't like the technique whereby the questioner offers possible answers to the question they are asking of their interviewee.

[@Selocmr]

Well I call that a blast from the past, from the early 70 till the mid 80 Barking was the main train station for me , Upney was the link , looks like I will have to pay a visit later next year, if I can that is.

[@michaelcampin1464]

If you are interested Ive found my Grandads 1949 Issue 1 of the London Transport Map. Dont forget the Old Spotted Dog next door.

[@daveharris7224]

Hi Geoff, I was at barking station today, as I'm an occasional visitor to the area. One thing that you didn't sy in your video was about the stairs leading down to the platforms. Surely if the station is being upgraded to 21st century levels, surely there should be escalators installed?

[@mitchellgiffard1978]

Sadly, over the years, the interior open layout of barking station has been filled up with shop units and clutter, while the structure of the building has been left to decay somewhat

[@andeven1]

I use this station every working days, so this was a pleasant surprise to see it pop up on my subscriptions feed. Thanks Geoff. And yes I have used the secret tunnel once. :D

[@McRailss]

another amazing geoff marshall video! thanks for sharing geoff!

[@AquaMoye]

Looks all good. Would like to see non-gendered loos though

[@Clavichordist]

It's great seeing this being done to the station. Over here in Boston, MA., the project would take at least 3 years and wouldn't cost $8.3 million (£6.8 million). By the time the project is completed, the project would be at least $25 million (£20.5 million) when done.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

I remember 12 hour Saturday night shift covering for the Station Supervisor. Ghastly place. The only good thing about it was the London Transport canteen.

[@michellebell5092]

A brand new Ticket Office. Good to hear, not closing all ticket offices then. At least C2C aren’t .

[@matthewalbery8827]

Great video Geoff, one for the Mike Sullivan Singers there #"Underground, Overground and see-to-see". Did anyone catch the number of the dog which was spotted? Answers on a postcard to anyone but me. The street scene has a nice symmetry, be great when its finished! Talking of music tracks; "take them to the symm-et'e'ry" lol

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The refurbished station will be brilliant, I’m sure. The current Barking Station reminds me of the Tottenham Court Road Station pre-refurbishment.

[@Kris_96]

Love they are fixing this station, but would also love to have the rest of the stations eastwards also get fixed. Even if smaller fixes, considering they all leak and are falling apart.

[@PeterGaunt]

I rarely use Barking station for anything other than changing from the Overground to the District Line. The improvements to the signage will be welcome even for that. One thing - if they could do something about the signs on the steps coming up from the platforms. On at least some they have red 'no entry' signs on the left which everyone ignores.

[@FranticMatty]

Elloo :) Love the videos Geoff :D

[@runningforasthma_]

I didn't actually know the exterior was listed, it certainly is a wonderful example of a station built in that era and the structure is magnificent so please please clean up the concrete and let it sing (see Hackney Wick for a magnificent example of a concrete station, albeit of a more modern design)

[@jeremybuck1818]

In fact the whole station building is grade II listed, not just the frontage...

[@grendel_nz]

Could plaster that concrete ceiling w ornate loveliness :) sunshine, blue sky and little fluffy clouds ;)

[@sarahjoyholden7856]

We look forward to your video in March of this new station

[@markholm7050]

Here in the USA, those 1 inch (or smaller) square tiles in multicolor geometric patterns scream 1950’s. The house I grew up in, built in 1954, had them in both bathrooms.

[@highpath4776]

can still buy them as stick on vinyls, but I think were in use in the 60s thru 90s, they dont really make or break the public asthetic of the station, which has a mini-me I think out at Dagenham East ?

[@MrGreatplum]

Excellent video, Geoff! I will now only go through the ticket lines at Barking if I have station staff that will beep for me 😂

[@thomasmcilroy510]

I think that is the plan for the next Rail Station on the Greater Anglia network.

[@hussamkamel4001]

Geof! I have moved to Barking in past 12 months and I cant express how grateful to your videos. Very informative, great energy and positivity that the area needs. I think there is massive potential for Barking, kudos to the brilliant work that Ben and the team are doing.

[@thepan]

I hated this station quite much, but I had to get through this station on a daily basis. Hope the upgrade is massive enough.

[@AzureOtsu]

hope the network southeast era signage is kept in some shape or form

[@michaelcobb3347]

Geoff - if you want to make a very different video on the c2c Tilbury Loop come further down the line to Stanford-le-Hope and see the never-ending so-called rebuilding of that station involving the effectively bankrupt Thurrock Council (see the Bureau of Investigative Journalists) - a sad shambles!

[@TheLandFinana6044]

Please do this! Using that damned station every day has provided me with quite the slow-burning, sad story and i'd love to see some word spread about it!

[@michaelcobb3347]

@@TheLandFinana6044 I have written in the Thurrock Gazette in the past about this issue and more recently about Thurrock Council's dangerous financial activities. Now, this week Thurrock Council have been served with a Section 114 Order meaning they are effectively regarded as bankrupt so all sorts of services will be cut or disappear. The chances of money turning up to rebuild a station demolished years ago must be nil. Not just a shambles but a scandal! Not a single councillor from the controlling Conservative group has shown any intention to resign and because in law a local authority can not be bankrupted they can not be removed. We are stuffed. Spread the word. Can you Geoff and the railway community spread the word?

[@SimplyMariam534]

It is really annoying here in Sweden but it is nice while watching you

[@highpath4776]

whats annoying ?

[@thecyberleaderwhufc]

For many years I use this station and still use it Every Day as I’m at Upney On the district I’ve never seen that WH Smith sign near the Buffet aka Shop

[@NubianPrince85]

Its about time Barking Stn been crying out for a facelift needs it and im here for it with minimun of disruption. #loveuGeoff!

[@ianmoseley9910]

Never used Barking that much, despite being only two stops away. When I was a kiddywink my mother would take me to the open-air swimming bathe in Barking Park, but we always went by bus. Direct route saved walking to and from the station at each end.

[@highpath4776]

Geoff should have gone to the minature train in Barking Park ( are the boats sill there ?)

[@MrHotSpice100]

Very informative

[@z4mster_179]

A missed opportunity not to put more lifts in. So passengers will still have to go down to what is now a ghost platform, go two-thirds the way along it - even going by the sure to be empty BTP hut - and then use the subway. It can't be so very hard (if not inexpensive) to install lifts much as they are in Upminster. As for the access to and from the platforms, that's just restoring it to as it was before c2c took over and halved it to keep numbers of their private police force, sorry revenue protection, down. Nice to see a member of c2c staff down on the platforms though. Such a rare sight, you are truly blessed, Geoff.

[@z4mster_179]

Also, Geoff, if you're in touch with cirector Ben Martin, please ask him when they are going to finish the refurbishment of the platform stairs at Upminster. They could have built a whole new set of stairs and craned it in in much less than half the time they've been dicking around on the existing (and then cut the existing up into small pieces to sell off for charity...if they want).

[@5pgsmithy]

Video is over a year old and Barking still not completed and it doesn't look close to finishing anytime soon. A follow up video holding these guys accountable would be a good idea to get them to say what has gone wrong

[@aceleraupmimster]

geoff what do you think of the train strikes, they must directly affect you and it does seem the elephant in the room of your channel?

[@stewy62]

I’ve had the same thought myself, although this is by no means the only channel where the same comment could be made. I can understand keeping politics out of it, as a sizeable proportion of viewers might not agree with whatever views are expressed, but to completely ignore the lack of service irritates me. At least Geoff can edit his otherwise excellent videos on strike days.

[@simonlake_]

This channel is about sharing a love of railways. I've never considered Geoff as what I'd term a railway journalist. Viva Rail went bust a couple of weeks ago and a channel that did railway journalism would cover that story, they'd cover the strikes and many other stories of that type. There are definitely other railway channels on YT that have more of a news agenda but this isn't one of them.

[@RAFchurchlawford4469]

There's another elephant in the room. This video confirms the recent census results regarding our capital city to be shockingly true!

[@BarrysViews]

It’s about time it’s getting an upgrade, I use it everyday and it needs it

[@khymaaren]

Well, maybe if you hadn't used it every day...

[@JamesPetts]

Please do save the WH Smith sign!

[@Edsbar]

A new booking office is being built at a time when a plan is in place to close booking offices and horns are locked in a dispute to not close booking offices.

[@johncutmore1286]

Barking is a National Rail station. There is no plan to close the ticket office in such a busy station.

[@highpath4776]

Really does need gateline to the North/East end of the Platforms out to Loxford area, the need to walk outside past all the platform length to come in is such a pain.

[@QuakerRaze]

I went to Barking recently for the first time as it was the closest driving theory centre and honestly I think the whole area needs improving.

[@wilfcat1713]

The Barking Dog next door is also currently being refurbished.🍻

[@NearCry91]

The nice hexagon-shaped WHSmith logo was in use from about 1973 to 1994.

[@guyfawkes3181]

Finally my local station is getting a reboot. Long overdue 😂😂😂

[@dewexdewex]

I'm glad it's being done up. It was getting very tatty. It's reminiscent of Katowice central station, which was also preserved in a renovation exercise not so long ago.

[@iamlinxx_]

Aint no way this will be completed by March. C2C are yet to complete the bridge at Upminster, Fenchurch Street Station, Stanford le hope station, lifts at Laindon, Pitsea aannnddd the rest all of which should have been completed by now I believe.

[@highpath4776]

Dunno, the main structure looked done so its electric fit out, of course some finalisation of prob front retail might take a bit longer

[@iamlinxx_]

Just thought I'd update this its the second week of May and the other side featured in this video has only recently opened. Work is now commencing on the remaining side. I knew March was wishful thinking

[@ezzaddinmohammad3014]

This is great for barking station

[@noahstrainadventures3031]

Interesting l might go there next time l go to London l love your channel aswell and comment on everyone and l am subscribed if you don’t see this that is fine once again love your videos have a lovely Christmas from Noah

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

Happy to hear about these renovations and upgrades. I visited Barking in November 2019 on a nerdy little tour, and was quite disappointed by what I saw. And that was my first (and only) impression of Barking, the station as well as the area (as I didn't bother checking out more of the area around).

[@DaVane]

Fascinating video. Lovely to see Barking get some love. However, what's most interesting has to be the continued plans to try and get the C2C platforms at Dagenham East station restored, so that the station can be upgraded to accommodate the new Eastbrook Film Studios under development... Apparently, the last cost estimate for such renovations would be £54 million. Still, I think that Dagenham would see a new lease of life if this was to go ahead...

[@69W69]

I use barking station 3 times a week. In my opinion it does need an upgrade due to when you getting off your train if it’s c2c or underground when you go to tap out it takes 10 minutes to do so because it so crowded up.

[@LiftFan]

Surprises me they're building a brand new ticket office when the DfT seem so intent on getting them all closed down...

[@jay9021]

Such a shame that they can't put lifts in on every platform

[@z4mster_179]

They can, but they are choosing not to.

[@highpath4776]

@@z4mster_179 With The Ramps as long as access to the most used platform should be OK

[@HenrysAdventures]

I wonder if the left hand gateline will have new Cubic ticket barriers or will they reuse the existing larger ticket barriers?

[@1258-Eckhart]

As an ex-Barking-Dagenham council official, great to see, thanks!

[@pepedrat2982]

I'm Barking mad, me. Love the place.

[@petersmith4455]

great memories of Barking stn in the 80s and 90s when working for LT, i believe this station is haunted by a ghostly woman.

[@elliotbrehm7658]

Geoff, you put cirecror instead of director. Also, which end of the Line episode will come next?

[@e5Group]

The WHS sign has been rescued.

[@anthonymathias4043]

The way I lived between barking and ilford for 20 years…went to barking everyday for 3 years during uni only to be told after I move away, the station gets an upgrade 😢😢😢

[@celiadonohue8338]

I look forward to seeing the new station. I lived in Ilford many years ago, I'll be back that way soon. I used to buy The Telegraph from a dear older Gentleman. Wonder if the Barking Dog Pub is still there, love that name!

[@ianthomson9363]

It was still there two years ago. I hope it still is!

[@mikandan4932]

Currently closed while the office block above it is converted to apartments. The Spotted dog next door is still open.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Ebullient as ever. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

So early, that HD isn't even enabled

[@DrivermanO]

Pleased to see solar panels going on the roof. But 50% -70% of power requirements? Good luck with that - at night and in winter!

[@highpath4776]

ie 100percent daytimes, (depends if battery storage can be fitted somewhere), nil in evenings = 50percent. A station really wont use a lot of power - lighting , displays and staff canteen kettle ?

[@jacksons1010]

It’s net of all usage. In bright daylight it will be supplying power to the grid. In darkness obviously it must draw from the grid.

[@highpath4776]

@@jacksons1010 twinkle twinkle little stars - and even street and office lights will have a mw affect on the enhanced panels with more efficient collectors

[@jacksons1010]

@@highpath4776 If you implying that power can be derived from starlight or ambient light at night, that's wishful thinking.

[@inaxipatel2570]

Also, what about the New Entrance to Bank Station on Cannon Street?