05.02.19
Old Oak Common to be UK’s best-connected rail interchange as HS2 reveals new station designs
HS2 Ltd has unveiled its plans for the Old Oak Common station, releasing designs for the new “landmark piece of architecture” including high-speed platforms located underground.
The design plans say that Old Oak Common will be the UK’s best-connected rail interchange, with the underground platforms linked to the conventional ground level station via an overbridge, providing “seamless connections” to Crossrail trains.
The new high-speed station, due to be built on GWR’s former rail depot, is expected to “create a new neighbourhood,” bringing up to 65,000 new jobs and 25,500 new homes. Construction is set to begin later this year.
The station’s two halves will be linked via the concourse, with escalators taking passengers down to the HS2 platforms and a public park built above them to welcome visitors and provide a focal point to the growing community.
The HS2 rail platforms will be built in a 1km-long underground box, with twin tunnels taking the high-speed trains east to Euston and west to the capital’s outskirts.
The plans were designed by WSP and architects WilkinsonEyre, and HS2 says it is based off the site’s industrial heritage – but will also include the potential for additional services to Wales and the west of England to be added to Old Oak.
HS2’s Old Oak Common project director, Matthew Botelle, commented: “The arrival of HS2 has the potential to transform Old Oak Common, unlocking thousands of new jobs and homes around the UK’s best-connected transport hub.
“Linking HS2 and Crossrail, our new station will be a landmark piece of architecture at the heart of the development, designed around the passenger to ensure seamless, accessible and stress-free travel.”
Visiting the site, HS2 minister Nusrat Ghani said the designs show “how Old Oak Common will set world-class standards for the future of stations.”
“The task for our designers and engineers now is to take these ideas from the drawing board to reality, building an iconic station that is accessible, safe, and open to all.”
HS2 has now launched a series of local information events and has invited local residents to comment on the designs now on display.
Work is currently underway to clear the site and prepare the ground for the start of construction, and the first services are due to run by 2026.
WSP’s project director on Old Oak Common, Adrian Tooth, said as well as being a “catalyst for regeneration” for the Old Oak area, the new station is designed to meet the needs of over half the passengers passing through the station interchanging between HS2 and the Elizabeth Line.
“The station form takes inspiration from our Victorian railway heritage and the juxtaposition between the above and below ground railways.”