HS2

Handful of winners awarded major HS2 station design deals

In a much-anticipated move, HS2 Ltd has now named the architects, designers and engineers who will be responsible for developing and refining detailed plans for the four new stations along the scheme’s route.

The companies will be awarded contracts to develop plans for the Birmingham, Solihull and Old Oak Common stations, as well as to transform Euston station – all due to open in 2026.

The winning teams have worked on some of the largest and most complex international infrastructure projects, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Biljmer Arena station in the Netherlands.

Birmingham Interchange will see Ove Arup & Partners International Ltd team up with Arup Associates and Wilkinson Eyre Architects Ltd, while WSP UK Ltd will work alongside Grimshaw Architects LLP on Birmingham Curzon Street station.

WSP UK has also landed the contract to design Old Oak Common, working alongside Wilkinson Eyre Architects.

Similarly, Ove Arup & Partners and Grimshaw Architects will work together to transform Euston station.

The winners of the contracts will be expected to deliver people-centred designs with architecture that offers a timeless, futureproofed design, enabling universal accessibility. They must also be mindful of the physical and cultural legacy of each station’s location, respecting and contributing to the local built and natural environment, sourcing local materials, and ensuring residents can have pride in the new “landmark buildings.”

Due to this, the new stations will be designed with input from local communities, using best practice principles from stations around the world.

Guidelines and specifications will be endorsed by an independent panel of leading architects and designers.

HS2 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.”

Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, who is set to be the keynote speaker at next month’s UKRIA, added that the new stations in London and Birmingham will be “at the heart of the first phase of the project,” thus being centerpiece in plans to increase capacity, improve journeys and unlock jobs.

“That’s why I’m delighted to welcome these talented designers to the team, and we look forward to working with them to create station designs which showcase world-class architecture, ease of use and value for money that our passengers and communities expect and deserve,” he added.

Chair of the HS2 Design Panel, Sadie Morgan, also commented: “We welcome the appointment of these world-class designers and look forward to working with them and HS2 to help deliver iconic stations which set new standards in design and ease of use, and provide a legacy of great architecture of which Britain can be truly proud.”

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