HS2 stations a step closer, as designers appointed - The Solihull Observer

HS2 stations a step closer, as designers appointed

Solihull Editorial 5th Feb, 2018   0

HS2 has announced the designers for the Birmingham Interchange station in Solihull borough.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street has welcomed the appointments for the controversial High Speed Rail project.

The Interchange will be close to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) near Solihull.

HS2 Limited says designers, Ove Arup and Partners International Limited, will oversee a brand new station with four 400m-long platforms.




It will also include a people-mover link to Birmingham International station, the NEC and Birmingham Airport.

The station and phase one of HS2 between London and Birmingham is on track to open in 2026.


It is claimed more than 77,000 new jobs and 4,000 new homes will be created.

Ove Arup and Partners International Limited will work with Arup Associates and Wilkinson Eyre Architects Limited.

HS2 has also announced the designers and architects for HS2 Curzon Street station in Birmingham, who are WSP UK Limited and Grimshaw Architects LLP.

Mr Street said: “The decision to appoint the team to design the HS2 station is an important step for a project which will have a truly transformational impact on the West Midlands.

“In addition to the connectivity and economic benefits of the investment in high speed rail infrastructure, the station itself will play a key part in the future growth of the city.

“The station will be so much more than a place to catch trains – it will be a catalyst, a gateway and a symbol of our resurgent region.”

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.”

A WMCA spokesperson said: “The winners have a track record of delivering cutting edge design with experience of some of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the world, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Eden Project in Cornwall, Biljmer Arena station in the Netherlands, and the refurbishment of London King’s Cross station.”

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Solihull Observer.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Advertising

Advertise with the Solihull Observer to reach your audience

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Solihull Observer newspaper.