Step-free access is set to come to Leyton tube station.

At a meeting yesterday afternoon, Waltham Forest Council’s cabinet voted unanimously to pledge £9million to the station’s renovation to make it a “fit for purpose,” 21st century transport hub.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for the environment, described the station as one that was “essentially made of wood,” which he said made it difficult to renovate.

But now the council and Transport for London have struck a deal both parties will invest £9million each into the scheme.

Cllr Loakes said it would “come up out of the ground and be concluded very quickly.”

The challenge of how people will access the station while work is carried out was raised, but the cabinet member said all efforts would be made to minimise these.

Cllr Simon Miller, cabinet member for high streets, seconded the plans, arguing the proposals would allow the council to take advantage of the “huge potential for housing” around the tube station, ensuring the area is maximised.

Cllr Clare Coghill, leader of the council, described the current tube station at Leyton, saying: “It is like a well-loved teddy bear with its eyes fallen out.”

Plans for the station include installing step-free access, which Cllr Miller said was something everyone at the council “should be hugely proud of”.

The exact start date of work on the station is yet to be confirmed.