May we have your attention please? This week, passengers on the Thameslink network can expect to hear the velvety voice of Tony Blackburn filling their ears as the national treasure swaps his radio mic for the station tannoy.
In celebration of the grand opening of the highly anticipated Brent Cross West station on December 10, Blackburn has recorded a series of special announcements that will be played across the network between December 7 – 13. The oh-so smooth sounds of the radio legend and Barnet resident will be heard at stations between Luton and Sutton, including the brand new station itself.
Brent Cross West will be the first new mainline station to open for a decade, so no wonder they’ve gone all out to celebrate. And yes, before you ask, I do consider Tony Blackburn recording some announcements as going all out, okay?!
The new station will connect Brent Cross to central London in as little as twelve minutes and will also act as a gateway to the newly formed Brent Cross town. The town aims to create a whopping 25,000 new jobs and 6,700 new homes. It also pledges to be net zero carbon by 2030.
Tony Blackburn said: “As a Barnet resident I’m delighted and honoured to be involved in the opening of our fabulous new station which, as far as I’m concerned, is top of the charts! Congratulations to Barnet Council and all their partners for this magnificent project. I’m sure Thameslink passengers will enjoy the style and space here, as well as being just 15 minutes or less from central London. But we’re not just celebrating a great train station – the public footbridge is this area’s first link between Barnet and Brent since the railway first came through 150 years ago.”
The station project with its associated rail infrastructure has been led by Barnet Council. It is one of the first rail projects in England to be delivered entirely by a local authority.
Brent Cross West station will be opening on Sunday, December 10.