Construction work gets underway on HS2 Curzon Street Station

Construction of the Birmingham HS2 Curzon Street Station has begun today, which will be the first brand new intercity terminus station built in Britain since the 19th Century.

HS2’s contractor Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV) will now deliver major earthworks to prepare the site for foundation work in the Spring.

The construction of the main building will start this summer, creating hundreds of jobs, including an estimated 100 new entrant roles, apprenticeship positions and Restart scheme opportunities for unemployed people.

The station, which will be net zero in operation, will mean the journey time to London Euston and Birmingham will be 49 minutes.

Fit-out of Curzon Street will start towards the end of 2025, with the first trains expected to run between 2029 and 2033.

HS2 worked with WSP and Grimshaw Architects on the design for the station, which is said to have been inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers.

The HS2 line between Birmingham and Manchester was axed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in his keynote speech at the Tory Party conference in Manchester in October.

Planning protection along the scrapped HS2 route has recently been lifted by transport secretary Mark Harper.

Sunak said the £36bn saved by scrapping the line would be spent on “hundreds” of rail, road and bus schemes in a project called “Network North”.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Curzon Street will become one of the most environmentally friendly stations in the world, and the gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers. The start of construction represents significant progress for the UK’s largest infrastructure project, demonstrating real momentum in building the line that will transform rail travel for generations to come.

“Birmingham is a hive of HS2 construction, with the project already supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships in and around the city. This next step at Curzon Steet Station will open up hundreds more opportunities for people across the region, providing a real boost to the economy.”

Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chair of HS2 Ltd said: “This is a major milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands, as work begins on this brand new iconic structure in the city. The connectivity created by Birmingham Curzon Street Station and its public realm will create far-reaching social and economic opportunities across Birmingham’s Eastside by linking together the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre.

“As work ramps up over the coming months, many jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities will be on offer – building on the economic benefits already making an impact in the region as a result of HS2.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Commencing construction on Curzon Street Station is a landmark moment for HS2, for our region and for the entire country. Building Curzon Street will create hundreds of jobs for local people and upgrade our rail infrastructure for the 21st Century.

“This brand new station is a clear example of the tangible benefits HS2 can deliver in the months and years ahead.”

Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport, Birmingham City Council said: “This is a landmark moment for Birmingham as the construction of Curzon Street Station begins. The construction of the station will see the creation of hundreds of new jobs and provide an important boost for our city’s economy.

“Curzon Street Station will be at the heart of our transformed city centre, with world class public realm linking the station with our metro and bus networks.

“The arrival of high speed trains to Curzon Street will be a huge moment in our city’s history, and the construction of the station brings that moment ever-closer.”

Jason Millett, Mace Dragados JV Board Director, said: “HS2 Curzon Street Station presents an unparalleled opportunity to generate positive change for Birmingham and the West Midlands. Aside from the benefits of improved rail travel for millions of people across the region, the station will drive urban regeneration, connect communities, create long-term employment, and proudly stand as a hive of activity in the heart of a booming city centre.

“The benefits don’t begin with the completed station, though. Building on the excellent foundations laid by the early works and main works civils contractors, we are determined to enhance HS2’s legacy by identifying and implementing opportunities to drive sustainability and achieve social value at every step of the way.

“We’re looking forward to bringing industry-leading ideas, innovations and expertise from across our international construction and consultancy teams to deliver this landmark station for the West Midlands.”