New Plans For Euston High-Speed Station Revealed

Revised plans for Euston station's High Speed station were revealed today. The designs by Grimshaw Architects are a step forward for the controversial project, but not everyone is happy.

The revised proposal includes:

• A 'bolt on' station for HS2, to the west of the existing Euston station.
• 11 subterranean platforms for HS2. Six would be built between 2017 and 2026 to accommodate 'phase 1' services, with five more for phase 2 in 2033.
• A new underground ticket hall for Euston, and a new subway to Euston Square station.
• Space for new homes, shops, offices and restaurants.
• A landmark yellow canopy, which we can only assume is inspired by the Mayor's famous hair style.
• Improved access for taxis, buses and cycles.

The revised proposal does not include:

• Comprehensive redevelopment of the existing, and somewhat dated, Euston station.
• Any mention of rebuilding the Euston Arch. (Not that everyone wants it.)

The decidedly low-speed construction will take 16 years to complete. This phased approach is a change of plan, aimed at lessening the disruption that the original nine-year proposal would have entailed.

Camden Council, who opposed the original plans, is not too keen on the revisions either. The local authority is disappointed that the scheme stands in isolation. It wants to see comprehensive redevelopment of the existing station, as well integration with the proposed Crossrail 2. It is also unimpressed that the new platforms would be at a different level to the existing station, potentially reducing the station's permeability.

Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Sarah Hayward, said: “HS2 will cause decades of blight in the Euston area – to property prices, to our small business’ trade and to our residents’ lives, which is why we remain ardently opposed to the scheme. If HS2 goes ahead with these plans, Camden suffers all of the pain with none of the benefits. London has a housing crisis and people’s jobs are insecure. Comprehensive development at Euston with tracks on one level can help remedy this and provide a world-class transport hub, yet the short-sightedness of these plans is threatening to let down Londoners on all these fronts."

See also: How HS2 will affect LondonIn response to the criticism, Euston development director Rupert Walker said: “It’s a matter for Network Rail and the government... Our proposals allow for a HS2 station. While we start with HS2, Network Rail can get approval and funding and deliver their part of the station.”