HS2 awards Phase 1 station design contracts

HS2 Ltd has awarded contracts to develop and refine detailed plans for four stations on Phase 1 from London to Birmingham - London Euston, Old Oak Common, Birmingham Interchange and Birmingham Curzon Street.

In the capital, Ove Arup & Partners will work with Grimshaw Architects LLP on Euston, while at Old Oak Common, WSP UK will be collaborating with Wilkinson Eyre Architects.

The winners for Birmingham Interchange are Ove Arup & Partners and Arup Associates and Wilkinson Eyre Architects, and at Curzon Street the work will be undertaken by WSP UK and Grimshaw Architects.

The winners are tasked with delivering what HS2 describes as “people-centred design” with shopping, business facilities and opportunities for art and leisure; accessible architecture including step-free access from street to trains; and “respecting and contributing to the physical and cultural legacy of the location”.

HS2 says the design of the stations will be “timeless design for future proofing and flexibility, so stations accommodate changes in technology and in the population”.

An independent HS2 Design Panel has scrutinised HST’s guidelines and specifications for the stations, and this will review the detailed designs as they develop.

HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston said: “Our new stations in London and Birmingham will be at the heart of the first phase of the project, increasing capacity, improving journeys, and helping to unlock opportunities for tens of thousands of new jobs and homes around what will be four new landmark buildings.”

Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Appointing these leading creative firms ensures that passengers on our world-class railway will experience modern and accessible stations. I am confident that these firms will deliver these projects at value for money, with designs that are both innovative and in keeping with their surroundings.”