Construction has started on HS2 Limited’s Birmingham Curzon Street station, which is set to span five years and create hundreds of industry jobs.
Main contractor Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV) has been developing the construction programme for the new rail hub since 2021.
Major earthworks start this month to prepare the site for piling and foundations to be installed in the Spring, ahead of construction of the main building due to start in the Summer.
WSP and Grimshaw Architects worked on the design for Curzon Street, which is inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers.
The station will offer connections to Eastside and Digbeth, also to the Midland Metro with a tram line running alongside and under the station itself, and see wider regeneration in the area.
It is the first new intercity terminus to be built in Britain since the 19th Century.
Once complete, the high-speed rail line will transport passengers between London Euston and Birmingham in under 50 minutes.
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Timeline
Work on the station façade will begin in Summer 2025, with construction of concourse steelwork and the roof due to start in Autumn 2025.
The internal fit-out of the station will start towards the end of 2025 and finish at the end of 2028.
Operational testing and commissioning will run from Summer 2026 to Autumn 2028.
Supporting infrastructure
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) is delivering a series of structures for the major project, including the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel, five connected viaducts via Washwood Heath, Lawley Middleway and Digbeth Canal, as well as the final approach to the station which involves widening a single deck to four separate decks, spanning 65 metres at the wideset point, to carry seven tracks to the platforms.
Phase Two of HS2, connecting the West Midlands and Manchester, was scrapped by the prime minister last year.
“The connectivity created by Birmingham Curzon Street Station and its public realm will create far-reaching social and economic opportunities across Birmingham’s Eastside by linking together the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre,” said Sir Jon Thompson, executive chairman of HS2 Limited.
He added: “As work ramps up over the coming months, many jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities will be on offer – building on the economic benefits already making an impact in the region as a result of HS2.”
Jason Millett, Mace Dragados JV board director, said: “Building on the excellent foundations laid by the early works and main works civils contractors, we are determined to enhance HS2’s legacy by identifying and implementing opportunities to drive sustainability and achieve social value at every step of the way.
“We’re looking forward to bringing industry-leading ideas, innovations and expertise from across our international construction and consultancy teams to deliver this landmark station for the West Midlands.”
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