HS2 has revealed a series of updates to the design of Birmingham Curzon Street station, promising to ‘further enhance the passenger experience, accessibility and internal layout.’

The new plans feature additional cycle parking, better accessibility, more seating and simplified access between platforms. There will also be changes to construction materials to boost efficiency and minimise maintenance.

Consent for the station, based on an outline scheme design, was secured in 2020 from Birmingham City Council. Since that time, HS2 has appointed Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV) as its construction partner, with responsibility for progressing the detailed design and construction of the station.

MDJV, working with their design partners Arcadis and WSP Joint Venture along with Grimshaw architects, have now revealed the proposed design refinements, which will be submitted for approval to Birmingham City Council in late 2024.

Birmingham Curzon Street Station is set to be a key destination, becoming a ‘thriving entry and departure point’ as part of Britain’s new high-speed railway.

The building’s design is inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers, updating the concept for the 21st century by ensuring accessibility and placing focus on the open space and surrounding landscape.

Bosses say passenger experience has been a major driver throughout the design process. Improvements will include additional cycle parking; rainfall capture in planted areas, with landscaping, lighting, paving and seating spaces; better accessibility at pedestrian entrances; durable external ceramic tiling; and a more unified internal layout of the eastern concourse which allows passengers to change platforms without leaving the ticketed area, enhancing the experience of people using the station.

Major earthworks have already started on the construction site, preparing for foundation work to get underway this Autumn and building work on the main station structure to start next year.

HS2’s high-speed trains will operate between London and Birmingham, significantly reducing journey times and freeing up space on the existing mainline for more local and freight services. The railway is expected to be operational between 2029 and 2033.

Dave Lock, HS2’s Project Client Director for Curzon Street Station said: “We’re pleased that these design refinements mark a key step in enhancing the detailed features of Curzon Street Station, which will be an iconic gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers.

“Once built, the station will strengthen Birmingham’s transport connections, support the regeneration of Eastside and Digbeth, and play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands.”

People will have the opportunity to see the design refinements before they are submitted to Birmingham City Council for approval later in the year.

Find a list of public community events taking place in the coming weeks below:

Community events:

• Tue 24 Sep, 10.30am – 7.30pm at the Clayton Hotel, Albert Street, Birmingham B5 5JE
• Sat 28 Sep, 10am – 4pm at The Bullring Shopping Centre (Lower Mall, outside Marks and Spencer)
• Thu 10 Oct, 12pm – 1pm Webinar HS2 & MDJV online event: Curzon Street Station design – HS2