HS2 chiefs put brake on plans to rebuild busy London station

Instead, under new proposals, Euston station in north London will be developed by keeping most of the existing platforms and improving the station around them.

The work will include 11 new platforms for high-speed trains to be built around the existing platforms at Euston which will be HS2’s London terminus.

The change-of-plan proposals were announced yesterday by HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for developing and promoting the first phase of HS2, costing £16.3bn, and running from London to Birmingham.

Camden Council in north London has been expressing concern about not only the station plans but also proposals for the area around the station.

Euston currently has 18 platforms. The revised plan involves keeping platforms 1-15 with the exception of platforms 9 and 10 which will be removed so that adjacent platforms can be lengthened.

The plan also includes a new Euston Tube station ticket hall and a sub-surface pedestrian link between Euston and the nearby Euston Square Underground station.

There is also potential for new homes, offices and shops in a total redevelopment which would be completed by 2026 when the first phase of HS2 is due to become operational.

HS2 Ltd chief executive Alison Munro said: “In response to community concerns about the potential disruption caused by the redevelopment of Euston station, and following more work done by our engineers to find the best way to deliver best value for taxpayers, we have identified an option that delivers great opportunities for the area while minimising the potential effects on local communities and on passengers.

“We are looking at an option for Euston Station which would see new platforms built as part of an integrated, redeveloped station with a combined concourse, new western entrance and improved facilities across the integrated terminus.

“Economic work done as part of Camden Council’s plan for the area has demonstrated that there is a case for major redevelopment with the potential for commercial investment, and we want to look at these opportunities with Camden.”