Work has started on the installation of 2,000 vertical concrete columns for the foundations of Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station – marking a critical milestone in the construction of HS2’s city centre rail hub.
The majority of the piles on the 100,000 square metre site will support the new station building and platforms above, with a smaller number of interlocking piles used to create the main walls of the Station basement which will house operational facilities. A team of 80 people are delivering the foundations work using three 95 tonne, 30-metre-tall piling rigs on the site.
Curzon Street Station is set to become a key departure point as part of Hs2, providing excellent connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth, enabling wider regeneration by linking together the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre.
The station will offer seamless connections to the local transport network including buses and the Midland Metro with a tram line running alongside and under the station. It will also create new public spaces, including two squares and a promenade.
Piling is planned to be completed by mid-2025, with the installation of further foundations on top of the piling starting next year. The design of the station will also be finalised over the next year, focusing on the details of features including the roof and the internal fit-out of the station.
On his first visit to an HS2 construction site, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said:
“The work happening at Curzon Street Station is impressive, and it’s going to be a major part of our city’s future. Even though it’ll take a few years to complete, we’re already seeing the benefits, with local businesses winning contracts and new jobs being created for people right across the region.
“What’s really exciting is seeing so many young people, especially apprentices and trainees, getting hands-on experience in construction and engineering. This sets them up for great careers, and I’ll be pushing for even more opportunities for them.
“The Transport Secretary’s commitment to explore plans to take HS2 into Euston and a new line between Birmingham and Manchester is to be welcomed. It has the potential to bring even more investment, jobs, and help reduce road traffic, all of which will make a real difference to people and communities in our region.”