A bus route is to be extended to allow it to serve a hospital and a business park.

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the 324 route, which currently runs between Brent Cross and Stanmore station, will be extended and terminate at Centennial Park in Elstree from later this year.

The main reason for the extension is to provide improved public transport access to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Brockley Hill, on the outskirts of Stanmore.

TfL launched a public consultation towards the end of last year and following "overwhelming support", the proposed changes are to be actioned.

When the extension is introduced, route 324 will continue along London Road beyond its current terminus at Stanmore Station to Canons Corner, before turning left onto Brockley Hill. The route will serve the western entrance of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital before crossing the A41 and turning left into Centennial Avenue and terminating within Centennial Park in Elstree.

In the direction of Brent Cross, buses will start within Centennial Park and follow the same route in reverse.

The route will continue to run from Monday to Sunday and the frequency will remain the same, with a 20 minute service during the daytime on Monday to Saturdays and every 30 minutes in the evenings, and all day on Sundays.

TfL expects the new bus route to come into force from late August or early September.

Harrow Times: The 324 bus extension from Stanmore station to Centennial Park in Elstree, via the Royal National Orthopaedic HospitalThe 324 bus extension from Stanmore station to Centennial Park in Elstree, via the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

The transport body says the 324 extension will allow customers to benefit from new links to the hospital and business park, also improving connectivity with the Jubilee line in Stanmore.

Currently, both the hospital and business park are served by the 107 bus route, and this route will continue to run as normal.

Harrow Times: The 324 bus will soon serve the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Brockley Hill, junction pictured. Credit: Google MapsThe 324 bus will soon serve the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Brockley Hill, junction pictured. Credit: Google Maps

Deputy mayor for transport, Heidi Alexander, said: "Following the overwhelmingly positive consultation feedback from local residents and stakeholders across the board, we are pleased to now confirm that we are proceeding with the planned extension to route 324.

"This will greatly improve transport links for patients and staff at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and benefit those who work at Centennial Business Park as many make a return to the office."

TfL says there have been longstanding requests from the hospital, Harrow Council and other local elected representative and amenity groups to improve bus links to the hospital site.

Mark Masters, director of estates, facilities and redevelopment at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, said: "We are delighted about this news as this improves public transport access to our hospital for patients and staff."

Harrow Times: The 324 will terminate at Centennial Park in Elstree. Credit: Google MapsThe 324 will terminate at Centennial Park in Elstree. Credit: Google Maps

As part of the 324 extension, northbound buses would no longer serve Stanmore station forecourt.

Customers changing for Stanmore station would need to cross London Road via the pedestrian crossing in order to access the station entrance.