Historic Curzon Street Station's Future Revealed as HS2 Advances in Birmingham
Birmingham residents have been offered a detailed glimpse into the future of the historic Curzon Street Station as HS2 construction progresses in the city centre. Originally opened in 1838, this station represents the first direct railway line connecting Birmingham to London and stands as one of the world's oldest surviving examples of monumental railway architecture.
New Public Spaces and Landscaped Terraces
Earlier this year, proposals for various repairs and restoration works to the historic station near the new HS2 terminus received approval. Now, newly released images illustrate how public spaces will be developed around the new Curzon Street Station and what this means for the old building.
HS2 has confirmed that a new square is being proposed next to the eastern entrance, facing the disused Old Curzon Street station building. Additionally, a new terrace and gardens will be created to the rear of the old station to complement the setting of the historic structure.
Passengers will pass through a paved 'station square', edged by gardens facing Moor Street Queensway, at the front of the new station. The new images released today show recent landscape design refinements that are being submitted to Birmingham City Council for approval, according to HS2.
Enhanced Accessibility and Transport Integration
These refinements include improvements to rainwater drainage management and better integration of cycling and walking routes connecting to the wider city. The designs also feature a tree-lined promenade with landscaped terraces stretching along the side of the building.
A second entrance at the other end of the station, providing access to Digbeth and the east side of the city, will include a tram stop and taxi drop-off points, along with improved cycle access.
Progress on Foundation Works
The new images emerged as engineers working on the HS2 project completed the last of more than 2,000 concrete piles that will underpin the foundations of Curzon Street station. With piling now complete, the main focus has shifted to preparing for the Digbeth extension to the West Midlands Metro, which will stop under the station on New Canal Street, and completing the remaining foundation works.
Council Support and Historical Significance
Alistair Morgan, HS2 Ltd's senior project manager, stated earlier this month that Curzon Street will become a new landmark for Birmingham once complete. He emphasized that it will provide a fitting city centre terminus for a railway that improves journeys and frees up space on the existing West Coast Main Line.
A council report from January highlighted that the primary purpose of the proposed works is to safeguard the Old Curzon Street Station building while incorporating measures to improve sustainability and thermal efficiency. The report clarified that the intention is not to refurbish the building for re-occupation but to protect the structure and prevent further deterioration.
Several Birmingham councillors have welcomed the plans, with Coun Philip Davis describing Old Curzon Street Station as a really significant building. Coun Lee Marsham, chair of the planning committee, added that the government needs to proceed with HS2 at the quickest pace possible while ensuring value for taxpayers.
