Long-awaited Hanger Lane Subway Refurbishment Welcomed
Work of local artist David Samuel is transforming the underpass
Cllr Athena Zissimos at the underpass with its new look
July 20, 2026
After years of complaints, muddy approaches and a general sense that one of West London’s busiest pedestrian routes had been forgotten, the Hanger Lane subway is finally undergoing a long-awaited refurbishment. Regular users will already have noticed the difference: cleaner surfaces, brighter lighting and, most strikingly, a burst of colour on the bridge courtesy of local artist David Samuel, whose work has also transformed corners of North Acton.
The upgrade, now underway, is expected to be completed by September. Broken and chipped tiles at the entrances are being replaced, with the original design carefully retained to preserve the character of the subway.
Hanger Hill ward councillor Athena Zissimos has spent the past two years pressing for answers about Section 106 contributions linked to The Stay Club, the new student accommodation development at the centre of the gyratory. Her initial aim was simply to establish what funding the development was providing for local improvements. What she uncovered was that £235,000 in S106 money had already been paid to the London Borough of Ealing specifically for upgrading the subway system.
Responsibility for the subway itself lies with Transport for London, while sweeping remains with the borough. The funds were duly passed from Ealing to TfL – and then appeared to vanish. According to Cllr Zissimos, the money was “misplaced” within TfL’s internal systems, leaving the intended works stalled and the subway unchanged. It took more than a year of chasing both organisations to locate the funds, confirm their purpose and ensure the improvement plans were designed and approved. Under planning law, S106 contributions must be spent on the purpose for which they were secured, and in this case that meant subway refurbishment.
With the money finally accounted for, TfL was able to outline the works now underway. Alongside the tile replacement and cleaning programme, a separately funded project will introduce new artwork to the central column. A plaque will also be installed to commemorate the original mural tile art created many years ago by Sarah Morris, now recognised as a notable mural artist.
Cllr Zissimos has also extended her focus to the ongoing upkeep of the subway, pushing for more frequent sweeping and graffiti removal. The annual deep clean, she says, is not enough for a structure that serves thousands of residents and commuters every day.
Speaking as Liberal Democrat councillor for Environment, Streets, Parks and Climate Change, she said: “Liberal Democrats are pleased that the original tile designs are being adhered to in Hanger Lane Subway, returning it to its former glory and contributing to a clean and refurbished community environment.”
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