News on HS2 in Old Oak

HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson MP, has revealed new plans for the urban realm around the new Old Oak Common Station and we are asking the local community and businesses for their feedback on the designs before an application for planning consent is submitted.

The ‘super-hub’ station has already received planning approval, and permanent construction began last month, with the Transport Secretary giving work the green light. Once complete, the station will offer unrivalled connectivity, with fourteen new platforms; six HS2 platforms offering high speed services to the North and Midlands, four Crossrail – or Elizabeth Line – platforms, and four conventional rail platforms, which will be served by trains to Wales and the South West. Over 2,300 jobs will be supported by the construction of the new station, with over 200 apprentices. Today also saw us reach the milestone of 650 apprentices working across the whole high speed railway project.

Proposals also include the creation of a new public parkland that can be enjoyed by local residents, workers and rail users and will be formed of gardens, tree and shrub planting, and a viewing platform over the small wetland area and station plaza. The new park will be a destination for people to relax as well as a venue for events, and pop-up markets. The park will also offer a wide range of seating, with disability access at the heart of the plans right from the start and proposals include step free access across the main paths in the park. There will also be resting spaces for wheelchair users and accessible seating across the area.

There will also be provision for public art and visual installations which will animate and reinvigorate the park into the future. A wetland common at the front of the station also forms part of the proposals, which will be an area rich in biodiversity, and be a pleasant, safe environment with a diverse range of planting species and mature trees, creating a unique place to be enjoyed all year round. The plans have been developed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS JV) and their design contractor WSP.

Following a four-week engagement period to take feedback on the designs, a planning application will be made to the OPDC. There are also plans from OPDC to transform the wider area, a former railway and industrial site, creating tens of thousands of jobs and new homes.

We have produced a dedicated webpage for the community to find out more about our plans for the parkland and transport hub at Old Oak Common Station, and how you can help shape them.

You will be able to discover - and have your say - on how the urban realm will play a key role in creating a sense of place around the new super hub station which is set to be the best-connected rail station in the UK.

As we develop designs for the public spaces around Old Oak Common Station, we would like to hear your views. On the page you will be able to:

There are also further details about the online 'webinar' we are holding, so that people can learn more about the proposed urban realm design for Old Oak Common Station and what it means for the local area.

The session will be held on two dates: Monday July 12, from 6-7pm and Wednesday 14 July 12.30 to 1:30pm, please select which date you would like to attend when registering.

During the event you will learn about the urban realm design including park space, security, and pedestrian and cycle access. Our team of experts will provide a presentation on the proposed urban realm design, as well as asking local residents and businesses for feedback on these proposals. They will also be available to answer any questions you may have during the event.

If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk