HS2 has announced a significant milestone in the construction of Britain’s new high-speed railway, with the installation of the first section of platforms at Old Oak Common station in West London.
Engineers at the colossal underground station box have commenced fitting the platform slabs, which will ultimately be used by passengers boarding or alighting high-speed trains. Six platforms are being built for HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains, laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks. These are the first platforms to be unveiled anywhere on Britain’s new high-speed railway, offering a glimpse into what future passengers can expect.
All six high-speed platforms are being constructed simultaneously, with work progressing from both ends of the station box. This is being done in advance of a further eight surface-level platforms that will serve Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express services.
The construction process involves pouring 1.59-metre-high invert walls, upon which 1,960 pre-cast concrete slabs, each measuring up to 4 metres by 2 metres, are then lifted into place. The platforms feature a void underneath, designed to accommodate essential services like electricity. These pre-cast concrete slabs are being manufactured offsite by Explore Manufacturing in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, showcasing the contribution of British industry to national infrastructure.
The station’s construction is being undertaken by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS JV). Permanent work on the station began in June 2021, following approval from the Transport Secretary. The immense 850-metre-long underground station box, including its 45,000 square metre base slab, was completed earlier this year.
Despite this notable progress, HS2 is currently undergoing a fundamental reset led by Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, to ensure the railway is delivered efficiently and at the lowest feasible cost.
Huw Edwards, Delivery Director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, commented: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways. Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.”
Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, added: “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.”
Later this year, HS2 will begin installing the eight platforms dedicated to conventional rail services – the Great Western, Elizabeth Line, and Heathrow Express. Upon completion, Old Oak Common is anticipated to be one of the best-connected stations in the UK, offering potential access to over 100 other stations and serving as the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line.
The BBVS JV team is also actively working on the ground floor level of the station, one level above where the platform construction is taking place. This will pave the way for the construction of the station’s superstructure, ultimately creating the vibrant station environment.
Tunnelling work to connect the station to the wider HS2 network is being carried out by HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV. In the eastern section of the underground box, the team is preparing to launch two giant tunnelling machines towards Euston. On the western side, a short tunnel connecting the station to the nearby Victoria Road Crossover Box will be excavated using the sprayed concrete lining method, from which the new high-speed line will run through the Northolt Tunnel.
Recent economic research, published by HS2 earlier this year and conducted by Arcadis, indicates that HS2 is spearheading a £10 billion boost in the areas surrounding its new station site in West London. Within a 1.5-mile radius of Old Oak Common Station, HS2 is projected to generate over 22,000 new homes, 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace, and 18,782 jobs.
HS2’s new station is situated within an economic development zone where the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is delivering its masterplan for a new district in west London. Established by the Mayor in 2015, OPDC covers an area of 650 hectares and is working to maximise regeneration opportunities, creating a positive legacy for local communities.
