BORIS Johnson has unveiled new designs for eight of London’s central Crossrail stations, saying they will create a new “urban realm” in London.

Plans for the inside of the Canary Wharf and Whitechapel stations were revealed by the London mayor at the launch of a public exhibition.

“This fantastic new public space and urban realm project is designed with the minimum of clutter and has works of art, piazzas and concourses which will encourage people to linger, have a cup of coffee and shop, which will boost economic activity,” he said.

The mayor denied that the �16 billion cross-London scheme was just for Londoners, saying it would provide economic growth and jobs for the “whole of the country”.

He thanked Rail Minister Theresa Villiers for ensuring the project had not fallen victim to “the Treasury’s spending axe” in recent budget cuts.

Ms Villiers thanked Mr Johnson for fighting for the project not to fall victim to the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and budget cuts.

She said: “Investment in our transport network is extremely important to deliver economic growth to revive our economy. We knew we had to focus on the long-term economic benefits that Crossrail will deliver.”

The exhibition of new station designs is at The Building Centre on Store Street near Tottenham Court Road until December 8. It is open between 9.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday.

Crossrail will boost London’s rail capacity by 10 per cent, with new travel opportunities, faster journeys and up to 24 trains an hour between Paddington and Whitechapel at peak times.