“Bomb explosion at Colindale Station.” That’s a headline nobody wants to read. But Colindale Station has a story etched in courage and resilience.
Colindale Station opened on August 18, 1924. It was part of the “Hampstead and Highgate Line”. This line later became part of the Northern line. The station quickly spurred local development in Colindale.
The station’s design was classical. Stanley Heaps, an Underground Architect, designed it. T. E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, frequented this station. He lived near Hendon Aerodrome. Lawrence even used “Colin Dale” as a pen name. He submitted articles to The Spectator using this name.
Tragedy struck Colindale Station during The Blitz. On September 25, 1940, at 8:45 pm, a bomb devastated the station. Two trains carrying 400 passengers were present. Thirteen people lost their lives. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the site the next day. They wanted to show their support. A plaque inside the ticket hall commemorates this tragic event.
The original station building suffered severe damage. A simple temporary timber structure replaced it. Surprisingly, this temporary structure lasted until 1962. A new building was then constructed. It included shops. The 1962 building was reclad during the removal of Colindale Station House in the mid-2010s.
Colindale has seen substantial growth since 2010. Over 6,000 new homes have been constructed. The Hendon Police College was redeveloped. The station usage increased by 88% since 2009. The population of Colindale ward grew significantly. Further redevelopment is planned including over 10,000 new homes.
A new station building is underway. It will have step-free access. The project costs £30 million. BDP designed the new station. Their design was inspired by the Hendon Aerodrome. Two large towers with 300 new homes will be built next to the station. The new building will sit over the tracks.
The Royal Air Force Museum London is close to Colindale Station. It is located on the former Hendon Aerodrome site. It is a short walk from the station. The British Library Newspaper Library was also in Colindale until 2013.
Colindale Station sometimes serves as a terminus. Some trains traveling north end their journey here. They do not continue to Edgware. This uses a turn-back siding north of the station.
Today, Colindale Station stands as a testament to progress. It is a symbol of resilience. As you board your train, remember the history beneath your feet. The echoes of the past linger. They remind us of those who came before.