Three stages to Euston work… ongoing for 17 years

Camden Council’s claims that construction work in the Euston area will be ongoing for 17 years were confirmed by HS2 Ltd on March 7.

The development will be carried out in three stages, said HS2 Ltd spokesman Alastair Cowan. First will be the construction of six new high speed platforms and a concourse area that will be built to the west of the existing station, to support the Phase 1 services. This work will begin this year and be complete in 2026, ready for the start of services.

In the second phase, five existing platforms will be closed, to be rebuilt as high speed platforms including an extended concourse to support Phase 2 services. This work will be carried out from 2026 to 2033.

The third phase is that with 11 HS platforms in use, the redevelopment of the remaining 13 platforms will be led by Network Rail. However, this is subject to future funding and approvals.

Cowan explained that the staged approach to building the HS terminus meant that existing services can continue to operate. He said this would reduce disruption for passengers and the effects on the community as a whole at any one time.

He added: “The provision of underpinning support structures as part of the plans will allow a range of uses above the station, delivering the flexibility for a future decision on the wider redevelopment and regeneration of the area.

“Detailed design is ongoing, so it may be that within that broad envelope, we can find a way to further reduce disruption to communities/passengers. That work will continue as we get the main works contractors on board.”