On 23 May, 22:23, "Paul Scott" wrote:

Is that stub of the stairs which would have gone down in line with the new
platform 5 tracks? They appear to have been cut off at some time to allow
for a traction supplies building to be built on the disused platform end.
It's right in front as you emerge into the main shed from platform 2.

Does the photo here help?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dolly_d.../set-720575941...

Paul S

Yes, that looks like it. The building just visible on the right, with
what looks like yellow tape on it is the TP hut, or whatever it is,
with the track feeder cables coming out of the side, isn't it? If
these were the original steps to the old centre platform, then where
was the access to the room which can be seen behind the signal head?
Maybe a narrow staircase was built where the new one is, and widened
for the new service. Does anybody know when the old centre platform
was removed? I suspcet it was long ago, The Palace was in decline
years before it burned down, so some of the platforms were probably
already out of use by that time.