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HS2 unveil images of Old Oak Common as preparations for station construction start

With the first trains scheduled to run in just seven years time, preparations are ramping up for the start of Old Oak Common station construction.

The organisation say work is currently ongoing to clear the site and prepare the ground as the latest images give commuters an idea of what they should be expecting once the station is built.

It comes as the HS2 minister Nusrat Ghani reaffirmed her backing for the major project and visited the construction site to meet HS2 staff, its contractors and chair of Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

Those behind the scheme say Old Oak Common will help kick-start the UK’s largest regeneration project, which aims to transform the former railway and industrial area, into a new neighbourhood supporting up to 65,000 jobs and 25,500 new homes.

The high-speed platforms will be situated underground with an integrated connection to the adjoining conventional station at ground level via a stylish shared overbridge providing seamless connections between HS2 and Elizabeth line (Crossrail) trains, to Heathrow and central London.

Matthew Botelle, HS2’s Old Oak Common project director said: “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. We want the community to be a part of the design process and we are asking for their views on the latest plans.” 

"HS2 will be the backbone of Britain's rail network, unlocking regeneration and economic growth across the country, while improving journeys for passengers."
HS2 minister Nusrat Ghani.

The six 450m HS2 platforms will be built in a 1km long underground box, with twin tunnels taking high speed trains east to the terminus at Euston and west to the outskirts of London.

Plans are also in place for a new public park to be built above the platforms. The green space - which could include broad-leafed trees and water features, and outdoor event spaces - will welcome visitors to Old Oak Common and provide a new focal point for the growing community.

Commenting, Ghani said: “HS2 will be the backbone of Britain’s rail network, unlocking regeneration and economic growth across the country, while improving journeys for passengers. These 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.”

Designed by a team led by WSP and architects, WilkinsonEyre, the station is set to be the UK’s best connected rail interchange, with an estimated 250,000 people passing through every day.

Adrian Tooth, WSP project director on Old Oak Common said:  “As well as being a catalyst for regeneration within the wider OPDC area, the new HS2 Old Oak Common station will become a landmark destination featuring an area of urban realm to the west of London. Our design responds to the station's function, recognising that more than half of those using the station will interchange between the below ground 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.”

The community have been invited to comment on the designs, which are on display today (5 February) at the Collective, Nash House on Old Oak Common lane and other local venues over the coming month. 

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