London Paddington Station

The Crossrail development at London Paddington Station marked a major transformation of one of the capital’s most historic and heavily used transport hubs. As part of this large-scale infrastructure upgrade, Cristofoli International was commissioned to supply and fabricate 250m² of Angolan Black Granite for use as skirting cladding around the station’s ventilation shafts and escalator halls.

Whilst the overall Paddington redevelopment was carried out over several years, the fabrication and delivery of our granite panels were completed within approximately two months.

The installation required seamless integration with Paddington Station’s existing structural elements and architectural design. Given the high-profile nature of the site, safety was of paramount importance. The Angolan Black Granite was subjected to stringent desktop bomb-blast testing to validate its performance under extreme conditions. These tests confirmed that the material met the rigorous safety standards required for use in critical public spaces, offering peace of mind for both project stakeholders and the public.

This area experiences high foot traffic and operational demands, requiring materials that are not only visually striking but also exceptionally durable. Angolan Black Granite was chosen for its exceptional strength, resistance to wear, and minimal maintenance requirements. Its deep, rich colouring provided a sophisticated finish that enhances the overall visual impact of the station while maintaining long-term performance.