'Critical milestone' as HS2 lays foundations for new Birmingham rail hub
Work has started on Birmingham Curzon Street Station foundations
Last updated 16th Oct 2024
Work has started on the installation of 2,000 vertical concrete columns for the foundations of Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station - marking a critical milestone in the construction of HS2’s city centre rail hub.
The majority of the piles on the 100,000 square metre site will support the new station building and platforms above, with a smaller number of interlocking piles used to create the main walls of the Station basement which will house operational facilities.
The work is being led by HS2’s contractor Mace Dragados Joint Venture, with support from companies including UK engineering specialist Keltbray.
HS2 hope Curzon Street Station will become a key destination and thriving departure point as part of Britain’s new high-speed railway. They say it will provide excellent connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth, enabling wider regeneration by linking together the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre.
They say the station will also create new public spaces, including two squares and a promenade.
Piling is planned to be completed by mid-2025, with the installation of further foundations on top of the piling starting next year. The design of the station will also be finalised over the next year, focusing on the details of features including the roof and the internal fit-out of the station.
On his first visit to an HS2 construction site, 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 really 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, jobs, and help reduce road traffic, all of which will make a real difference to people and communities in our region.”
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.”
Once complete, HS2 will almost halve the journey time between London and Birmingham to just over 49 minutes, with trains running north via the existing rail network to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. It will provide significantly more efficient and faster journeys, while relieving pressure on the most congested southern end of the West Coast Main Line, allowing more local and freight trains to operate.