2022 in London is, clearly, the year of the train.
In May, we got the long-awaited first rendition of the Elizabeth line – which entered its second phase last month, whisking passengers from Reading all the way into Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, and beyond. Sandwiched in between that, Bank Station opened a couple of interchanges to shorten the long ol’ walk to freedom the different platforms.
Now, Euston Station is getting in on the act, dropping fresh new pictures of a £2.6 billion HS2 re-design coming its way soon. According to the plans, the station will have the longest concourse in the UK at over 300 metres. The Tube station is also set to have a direct link with Euston Square station, with the Tube station offering a faster interchange that King’s Cross.
It’s not due to open for another decade, with works beginning three years ago, but we now know that there will be ‘warm gold’ roof panes designed in the style of a butterfly and made from anodised aluminium. Thus far, two tower blocks in front of Euston station have been removed.
The government ordered revamp of plans, moving from a 11-platform design opening in two stages to a 10-platform undertaking that will likely be finished between 2031 and 2036. The new station is designed to be so big that tickets will advise passengers where to wait for their train; a far cry from the current setup which can result in a few stampedes from the main room to the platform once the train is announced.
It is hoped that the station will, much like London Bridge and St. Pancras, attract in visitors not planning to travel. Plans also state that the roof will be naturally ventilated to reduce the station’s carbon footprint.
Other features include a new entrance on Gordon Street and a cycle route across the dual carriageway leading to the station — with the entrance hall being built in the concrete style of stations like Westminster.
HS2 links between London and Birmingham are due to begin at some point between 2029-2033. A full outline of Network Rail’s business case for Euston Station is due to release next year.
Read more about the project on Grimshaw’s website.