HS2 begins construction of Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station rail hub

HS2 has begun laying the foundations for Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station by installing 2,000 vertical concrete columns.

Most of the piles on the 100,000 sq m site will support the new station building and platforms, while a smaller number of interlocking piles will form the main walls of the basement, which will house operational facilities.

The project is being managed by HS2’s contractor, Mace Dragados Joint Venture, with assistance from UK engineering specialist Keltbray.

A team of 80 workers is carrying out the foundation work using three 95-tonne, 30-metre-tall piling rigs.

Curzon Street Station is set to become a destination and departure point for Britain’s new high-speed railway, providing connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth.

Dave Lock, HS2’s project client director for Curzon Street Station said: “This is a great milestone for the project and means we will soon see this new landmark building take shape. We’re now well on the way to building the region’s new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands.

“As the gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers, Curzon Street Station will also provide better connectivity with links to the local transport network, creating far-reaching social and economic opportunities across Birmingham’s Eastside.”

It will aid wider regeneration efforts by linking the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre.

The station will feature connections to the local transport network, including buses and the Midland Metro, with a tram line running alongside and beneath the station.

It will also create new public spaces, including two squares and a promenade.

Piling is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with further foundation installation beginning next year.

The station’s design will also be finalised in the coming year, focusing on features such as the roof and internal fit-out.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “The work happening at Curzon Street Station is impressive, and it’s going to be a major part of our city’s future. Even though it’ll take a few years to complete, we’re already seeing the benefits, with local businesses winning contracts and new jobs being created for people right across the region.

“What’s exciting is seeing so many young people, especially apprentices and trainees, getting hands-on experience in construction and engineering. This sets them up for great careers, and I’ll be pushing for even more opportunities for them.

“The Transport Secretary’s commitment to explore plans to take HS2 into Euston and a new line between Birmingham and Manchester is to be welcomed. It has the potential to bring even more investment, and jobs, and help reduce road traffic, all of which will make a real difference to people and communities in our region.”

Once complete, HS2 will reduce the journey time between London and Birmingham to just over 49 minutes, with trains continuing north on the existing rail network to cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow.

The new line is expected to improve travel efficiency and speed while alleviating congestion on the southern end of the West Coast Main Line, enabling more local and freight trains to operate.