HS2

Planning approved for HS2 station set to be largest newly built station

HS2’s west-London super hub, Old Oak Common, had its planning application approved by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) yesterday (May 19).

Work can now progress on building what is set to be the largest new railway station ever build in the UK, featuring 14 platforms, six of which will be for high speed services. It will also have an 850m long station box, with a volume to fit 6,300 Routemaster buses.

The station will feature striking design elements, such as interlocking curved roof forms, designed to support the open environment with natural ventilation in a bid to reduce long-term energy consumption.

The arches also minimising the need for columns to support the roof, lending themselves to better views across the station.

It is estimated that, once up and running, the station will be used by approximately 250,000 passengers each day, making it one of the busiest railway stations in the country.

The cutting-edge connectivity routes will be served by the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), Heathrow Express and trains to Wales and the West of England.

Included in the planning permission is the provision of a dedicated bus and taxi facility, dedicated drop-off and pickup areas, pedestrian and cycle links, improved highway infrastructure and new public spaces directly outside the station.

Matthew Botelle, HS2 Ltd’s Stations Director said:

“The planning approval for the Old Oak Common super-hub station is an important milestone in the delivery of Britain’s new world-class low carbon railway. Building a new railway station for the UK on this scale and size will be an incredible achievement for British engineering.

“HS2 is set to be a catalyst to transform this area of West London, making it one of the best connected development sites in the UK. We will continue to work with OPDC and other local partners to ensure that this opportunity is maximised.”

Photo: Old Oak Common Station Approach View