HS2 station images revealed as consultation begins

HS2 has released images of its two planned Birmingham stations as it launches a series of consultation events in the city.

The entrance to the HS2 station at Curzon Street

The high speed rail line is still scheduled to arrive in Birmingham in 2026, at Curzon Street in the city centre and at Interchange in Solihull.

HS2’s chief executive Mark Thurston said: “Both of these new stations will be transformational for the Midlands and will create opportunities for regeneration, growth and economic benefits for the city and region.”

Works are well underway on 60 sites across the route from London to Birmingham. The infrastructure project is expected to have 30,000 people working on it when it reaches peak construction.

WSP UK Ltd, working with Grimshaw Architects LLP is designing Curzon Street and Arup is designing Interchange station.

Curzon Street station will be the country’s first brand new intercity station built since the 19th century.

The planned HS2 station at Curzon Street

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “These brand new stations will be catalysts for regeneration, creating jobs and opportunities for local people and economic benefits for Birmingham and the Midlands.

“Curzon Street station will put Birmingham at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network and enhance the rail connectivity for the city, whilst Interchange provides a once in a life time opportunity to help drive the growth of the region.”

Interchange station will serve Birmingham Airport, Solihull and the NEC.

The Urban Growth Company (UGC) is working with HS2, the West Midlands Combined Authority and other organisations to include additional elements as part of the wider project. They include connectivity for Sprint buses and Metro trams, providing crossings for utilities to support development at Arden Cross, and bringing the car parking together to free up land for development.

The planned HS2 Interchange station

Philip Farrell, interim managing director at the Urban Growth Company in Solihull, said: “The additional elements around the HS2 Interchange Station site are just one piece of the larger picture at The Hub with other projects, such as the redevelopment of Birmingham International Station by 2025, being just as important.

“Our job is to make the most of this opportunity and this is the first step towards creating Europe’s best-connected destination for business, leisure and living.”