Work has started on the installation of 2,000 vertical concrete columns for the foundations of Birmingham’s Curzon Street Station - marking a critical milestone in the construction of HS2’s city centre rail hub.
The majority of the piles on the 100,000 square metre site will support the new station building and platforms above, with a smaller number of interlocking piles used to create the main walls of the Station basement which will house operational facilities.
The work is being led by HS2’s contractor Mace Dragados Joint Venture, with support from companies including UK engineering specialist Keltbray. A team of 80 people are delivering the foundations work using three 95 tonne, 30-metre-tall piling rigs on the site.
Curzon Street Station is set to become a key destination and thriving departure point as part of Britain’s new high-speed railway. It will provide excellent connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth, enabling wider regeneration by linking together the learning and creative quarters, new residential developments and the city centre.
The station will offer seamless connections to the local transport network including buses and the Midland Metro with a tram line running alongside and under the station. It will also create new public spaces, including two squares and a promenade.
Piling is planned to be completed by mid-2025, with the installation of further foundations on top of the piling starting next year. The design of the station will also be finalised over the next year, focusing on the details of features including the roof and the internal fit-out of the station.
On his first visit to an HS2 construction site, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: "The work happening at Curzon Street Station is impressive, and it’s going to be a major part of our city’s future. Even though it’ll take a few years to complete, we’re already seeing the benefits, with local businesses winning contracts and new jobs being created for people right across the region.
“What’s really exciting is seeing so many young people, especially apprentices and trainees, getting hands-on experience in construction and engineering. This sets them up for great careers, and I’ll be pushing for even more opportunities for them.
“The Transport Secretary’s commitment to explore plans to take HS2 into Euston and a new line between Birmingham and Manchester is to be welcomed. It has the potential to bring even more investment, jobs, and help reduce road traffic, all of which will make a real difference to people and communities in our region.”
Dave Lock, HS2’s project client director for Curzon Street Station, said: “This is a great milestone for the project and means we will soon see this new landmark building take shape. We’re now well on the way to building the region’s new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands.
“As the gateway to Birmingham for future HS2 passengers, Curzon Street Station will also provide better connectivity with links to the local transport network, creating far-reaching social and economic opportunities across Birmingham’s Eastside.”
Since work started on the station site in January, the MDJV team have been completing activities to prepare for the piling to start. This includes major earthworks, as well as installing temporary platforms for the piling rigs to work on. Piling will also enable the construction of a new retaining wall to support the existing Victorian Network Rail wall adjacent to the West Coast Main Line.
Martyn Woodhouse, project director for MDJV, said: “The start of foundation works for Curzon Street Station means we’re now starting a crucial stage of construction. Since the beginning of the year, the team has worked hard to deliver the major earthworks to prepare for the big piling operation which will form the foundations of the station.
“Once the foundations are complete, we’re looking forward to starting construction of the station building, which will create more jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities on the project as work ramps up.”
A number of major procurement packages will be up for grabs for businesses over the next year to secure the remainder of the supply chain companies needed to build the station. This means potential contracts for local businesses, supporting more local jobs.
MDJV has a focus on raising awareness of the range of job opportunities coming up, by targeting people in the local area who would not normally consider working in construction. This includes working with local schools, colleges and universities to offer work experience programmes and student placements.
Currently 18 apprentices are working on the station construction programme, and Keltbray have recruited two people who have been previously unemployed through engagement with Birmingham City Council’s Employment Access Team.
Gerard Smith, skills and employment lead at MDJV, said:“Now that work is well under way on the Curzon Street Station, we’re keen to raise awareness of the range of job opportunities on the project, and we’re well on track to meet our target of 100 apprentices.
“As work progresses, we’ll continue to work with our Local Authority partners and job brokerage services to unlock job opportunities, including to those who are currently unemployed.”
Once complete, HS2 will almost halve the journey time between London and Birmingham to just over 49 minutes, with trains running north via the existing rail network to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.
It will provide significantly more efficient and faster journeys, while relieving pressure on the most congested southern end of the West Coast Main Line, allowing more local and freight trains to operate.
