NEW IMAGES showing how Solihull’s HS2 interchange station could look has been revealed.
The artists’ impressions give a glimpse into the future of rail travel in the region, showcasing plans for the new stations at the interchange near the airport and in Curzon Street, in the city’s Eastside district.
The release of the artist’s impressions marks the start of a series of public consultation events across Solihull and Birmingham during October which will give residents the chance to ask questions and give feedback on the proposals.
The first event in Solihull takes place tomorrow (Friday) between 2pm and 6pm at Touchwood Solihull Shopping Centre.
The two stations are due to start welcoming high-speed trains from London in 2026.
The interchange will be part of a new public transport hub serving Solihull, Birmingham Airport and the NEC and is tied in with wider development of land close to the airport which will include residential and commercial property.
HS2 have said Curzon Street is the first brand new intercity station built in Britain since the 19th century.
It will have seven platforms and be connected to Digbeth, New Street station and the city centre.
Teams were chosen earlier this year to design the two new stations.
Arup is leading the Interchange project while WSP UK is working with Grimshaw Architects on Curzon Street.
Kim Quazi, Lead Architect, Arup, for Interchange station said: “Interchange station sits within a unique setting, on the edge of the urban landscape in a currently rural location.
“The station building has been designed to reflect its surroundings and in context with the natural landscape and topography.
“The station roof has been designed to fit in with the surrounding landscape, and to optimise natural daylight using an integrated, efficient structural form and rainwater management system.
“We have also focused on a number of objectives including creating a positive experience for future users and rail passengers by including open space, parkland and views to green spaces, and constructing a green building with low energy consumption and low maintenance.”
Philip Farrell, Interim Managing Director at the Urban Growth Company in Solihull, said: “We’ve been working closely with HS2 Ltd on this for more than a year so we’re pleased that these initial designs support our future plan to use HS2’s arrival to create a new, sustainable, urban quarter at the site known as Arden Cross.
“There are extra elements being simultaneously designed – funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and led by the UGC – which will provide additional public transport connectivity and make better use of land for development. We’re progressing those plans by bringing together the right partners and putting together compelling business cases to secure the funding needed.
“The additional elements around the HS2 Interchange Station site are just one piece of the larger picture at The Hub with other projects, such as the redevelopment of Birmingham International Station by 2025, being just as important.
“Our job is to make the most of this opportunity and this is the first step towards creating Europe’s best-connected destination for business, leisure and living.”
For more on the consultation events across the borough visit https://hs2insolihull.commonplace.is/schemes/proposals/upcoming-local-events/details
