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HS2 design teams revealed for largest station building programme since Victorian age

Arup and WSP are among the teams of architects, designers and engineers who have been awarded contracts to design four HS2 stations that are due to open in 2026.

Some of the world’s finest architects and engineers will be tasked with the HS2 station designs but each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience after working on some of the largest and most complex international infrastructure projects, including Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Eden Project in Cornwall, Biljmer Arena station in the Netherlands, and the new concourse at London’s King’s Cross station.

The teams will be expected to provide a number of key aspects including architecture which enables accessibility for all, including step-free access from street-to-seat which is simple and easy to navigate and a “people-centred design”, which offers high-quality customer experience including shopping, business facilities, and opportunities for art and leisure.

The new HS2 stations in London and Birmingham will be designed with input from local communities, using best practice principles from stations around the world, and guidelines and specifications endorsed by an independent panel of leading architects and designers.

Commenting on the announcement, HS2 minister Nusrat Ghani said: “HS2 is a modern railway fit for Britain’s future, improving vital links between some of our country’s biggest cities, driving forward growth and significantly improving services for passengers with thousands more seats on faster trains. 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.”

The following designers have been awarded station contracts:

  • Birmingham Curzon Street – WSP UK (working with Grimshaw Architects)
  • Birmingham Interchange – Ove Arup & Partners International (working with Arup ; Associates and Wilkinson Eyre Architects)
  • Old Oak Common – WSP UK (working with Wilkinson Eyre Architects)
  • London Euston – Ove Arup & Partners International (working with Grimshaw Architects).

London and Birmingham are already planning for the arrival of HS2 which is expected to unlock opportunities for 30,000 new homes and 130,000 jobs as part of wider developments around the four stations.

HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston said: “Our new stations in London and Birmingham will be at the heart of the first phase of the project, increasing capacity, improving journeys and helping to unlock opportunities for tens of thousands of new jobs and homes around what will be four new landmark buildings. 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.”

If you would like to contact Ryan Tute about this, or any other story, please email rtute@infrastructure-intelligence.com.