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Improved local webpages launched on HS2 website

Over the past few months, we have introduced a number of improvements to the HS2 website and how we share information with you. As part of this work, we have now moved the contents of the HS2 in Old Oak website to the In your area section of the HS2 website.

We will continue to provide local webpages and publish information about the progress of the railway in your area.

  • Visit www.hs2inoldoak.co.uk for the latest updates on the planning and delivery HS2 in your area .
  • Use our In your area map for information about current and planned HS2 works taking place in your area.
  • Make sure you are subscribed to our email mailing lists to continue to receive updates from us.
  • We have also published local community landing pages for each section of the route. These provide information about the HS2 route within each area.

    We will continue to produce regular updates about the project, including notifications of our upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what we’re doing to make it less disruptive.

    If you would like to continue to receive updates from us and haven't already registered, please sign up directly at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list . We will ask you to confirm your email address as part of the sign-up process.

    The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation and only used for the purposes for which you have provided it. Find out more about what we will do to keep your information safe in our Personal information charter .

    We will no longer use this platform or Commonplace to publish information or issue emails to you. This website has now been archived. You can still access the materials that were originally available on this website by visiting the HS2 in Old Oak overview page .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to receive email updates from us please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 19th August 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Keep up-to-date with HS2 in your area: Please remember to sign up to our mailing list

    As part of our ongoing pledge to keeping communities informed about the planning and delivery of the HS2 project, we are introducing a number of improvements to how we share information with you .

    This is a reminder that we're moving your local website within the HS2 website.

    This summer we will be moving the contents of this website over to the 'In your area' section of the main HS2 website. We are also changing the way that we issue email updates about the project and giving you more choice about how you would like to receive information from us.

    We have published local community landing pages for each section of the route between London, the West Midlands and Crewe. These provide information about the HS2 route within each area. Over the coming weeks we will be adding further pages and information to each area.

    We are now in the final stages of this transition which is expected to be completed by mid-August, however we will write to you again to confirm this nearer the time.

    Join the HS2 mailing list to continue to receive updates from HS2 about the project

    We will no longer be using this website or Commonplace to issue email updates to you. Instead, we are asking that you sign up to receive information from HS2 directly. We will continue to produce regular updates about the project, including notifications of our upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what we’re doing to make it less disruptive.

    If you would like to continue to receive updates from HS2 you can sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list . We will ask you to confirm your email address as part of the sign-up process.

    The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation and only used for the purposes for which you have provided it.

    Find out more about what we will do to keep your information safe in our Personal information charter .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to receive email updates from us please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 6th August 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: demolition work at Old Oak Common Station site

    Earlier this year, we notified the community of our programme of demolition work to remove the western section of the Heathrow Express Depot as well as a nearby substation on the Old Oak Common Station site. You can view that notification here .

    Demolition of the western section of the Heathrow Express Depot is ongoing, and only the basement slab remains to be removed. This slab will be removed over the next two weeks, using hydraulic breaking to break the slab which contains metal reinforcement. This will be minimized and less intrusive munching techniques will be employed whenever possible to do so. For further information please read the notice here .

    Posted on 4th August 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 harnessing the power of pioneering 3D concrete printing to help cut carbon on project by up to 50 per cent

    In a UK first, on-site 3D reinforced concrete printing is set to deliver environmental, cost and community benefits for Britain’s new high speed rail network .

    The cutting-edge technology, called ‘Printfrastructure’, will be deployed by our London tunnels contractor SCS JV (Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture), in a move that represents a major step forward in construction technology.

    Printing concrete with computer operated robots will enable SCS JV to make structures on site, instead of transporting them as pre-cast slabs by road before being assembled and lowered into place by large cranes.

    As flexible mobile technology, 3D concrete printing enables the technique to be deployed in physically-restricted areas – avoiding the need to develop complicated and potentially expensive logistical plans.

    Where our construction is happening besides a live railway, it also offers an opportunity to deliver works without disrupting the travelling public as a robot will print the reinforced concrete, enabling construction to continue and trains to run at the same time.

    Previously work would have taken place overnight after trains have stopped running, potentially disturbing the local community, or would have required the suspension of services to ensure safe working.

    Using a computer-controlled robot enables the reinforced concrete structures to be printed with a strengthening unique internal lattice structure, which not only significantly reduces the quantity of concrete required but also cuts waste.

    But the breakthrough is underlined by technology developed by SCS JV’s Worcestershire-based partner, ChangeMaker 3D. Working with UK advanced materials specialist, Versarien, the high-tech compnay's innovation takes the 3D concrete printing process and combines it with the strongest material ever tested: graphene.

    Concrete with microscopic strands of graphene only several atoms thick running through it like stripes in a stick of rock replaces traditional steel to help drive improved site safety, greater construction flexibility, shorter build time and a smaller carbon footprint.

    SCS JV estimates that the process it is developing with the Midlands firm could reduce the concrete used and contribute toward reducing carbon by up to 50 per cent.

    By removing steel and simplifying the construction process, which will no longer require cranes and significantly fewer delivery trucks, the carbon reduction could be even greater. Proof of concept trials are due to begin in Spring 2022.

    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

    Posted on 4th August 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Please remember to sign up to our mailing list and be kept informed about HS2 in your area

    This is a reminder that as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping communities informed about the planning and delivery of the HS2 project, we are introducing a number of improvements to how we share information with you and are moving your local website within the HS2 website.

    The contents of this website will be moving over to the 'In your area' section of the main HS2 website, and we are also changing the way that we issue email updates about the project to give you more choice about how you would like to receive information from us.

    There are local community landing pages which have been published for each section of the route between London, the West Midlands and Crewe, providing information about the HS2 route within each area. We will be adding further pages and information to each area in the coming weeks.

    We are now in the final stages of this transition which is expected to be completed by mid-August, however, we will write to you again to confirm this nearer the time.

    Join the HS2 mailing list to continue to receive updates from HS2 about the project

    We will no longer be using this website or Commonplace to issue email updates to you. Instead, we are asking that you sign up to receive information from HS2 directly. We will continue to produce regular updates about the project, including notifications of our upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what we’re doing to make it less disruptive.

    If you would like to continue to receive updates from HS2 you can sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list . We will ask you to confirm your email address as part of the sign-up process.

    The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation and only used for the purposes for which you have provided it.

    Find out more about what we will do to keep your information safe in our Personal information charter .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to receive email updates from us please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 26th July 2021

    by HS in Old Oak

    All aboard: HS2 is coming to London

    Ahead of its arrival into the capital, the team leading the design and construction of Britain’s new railway, High Speed Two (HS2), is hitting the streets with a brand-new community roadshow.

    The roadshow team will visit towns and cities from north to south this summer, as part of a bumper programme of community-focused activity highlighting the thousands of jobs, skills, training and new business opportunities that HS2 is creating.

    The HS2 roadshow will make three stops in the capital with pop up events scheduled to take place in Kings Cross on 5th August, Uxbridge on 2nd September and Ealing on 21st September. The events will allow residents and visitors to find out more about the exciting plans, now well underway, to bring Britain’s new railway to the capital at its flagship new station in Old Oak Common and its terminus in Euston. Both locations are being transformed in readiness for HS2’s arrival, spearheading new housing, commercial developments, urban realms and job opportunities which will benefit local people.

    Experts from all areas of the HS2 project will be on hand at each event, armed with a wealth of resources to experience during the event or to take away. So, if you’re looking for a new career, or want to find out how your business might benefit from one of 400,000 contract opportunities generated from the first phase of construction works, then head down to the roadshow to find out more.

    More about each location
  • Kings Cross on 5th August: The roadshow’s first stop will be at Kings Cross Square, adjacent to Kings Cross Station, on Thursday, 5th August. The outdoor event, which starts at 07:00 through to 20:00, will centre around HS2’s giant cubed-shaped exhibition space. HS2’s events team will work alongside local community representatives to advise and support those looking for a new career, training or business opportunity.
  • Uxbridge on 2nd September: The second stop on Thursday, 2nd September is an outdoor event in Uxbridge. The roadshow will be based between The Pavilions and The Chimes shopping centres, close to Uxbridge Underground Station from 09:00 to 19:00. Local residents can find out how to apply for funding for local projects through HS2’s community and environment (CEF) and business and enterprise (BLEF) schemes, as well as learning about local jobs and business opportunities.
  • Ealing on 21st September: HS2’s final stop on the London leg of its summer roadshow will be on Tuesday, 21st September, when the team hits Ealing’s vibrant urban quarter Dickens Yard. Residents and shoppers can find out more about HS2’s plans for the new West London super-hub station at Old Oak Common, which will include stunning green spaces alongside proposals for a small wetland and public event spaces. Construction of the super-hub will support over 2,300 jobs, including 200 apprenticeships – and visitors to the roadshow can find out how they can get onboard.
  • For more information about HS2’s roadshow programme, visit hs2.org.uk/roadshow-2021

    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.

    Posted on 22nd July 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Find out more about the conveyor system in Old Oak and Park Royal: Sign up for our online event

    We would like to invite you to an online ‘webinar’ to learn about our updated plans for the conveyor system in Old Oak and Park Royal .

    During the event you will find out about your local engagement team, current and upcoming works to install the conveyor system from our contractors BBVS and SCSJV, and the measures in place to minimise disruption to our neighbours.

    The session will be held on two dates:

  • Wednesday 21 July, 6-7:30pm
  • Wednesday 28 July, 12-1:30pm
  • Please register and book which date you would like to attend

    We will run this session via Microsoft Teams Meetings, which is a free to use online platform. If you have the Microsoft Teams app installed on your desktop or mobile device, the session will open automatically within that.

    Further joining instructions will be sent to all registered attendees closer to the time.

    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

    Posted on 16th July 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Sign up for free online events, or visit St Mary's Church Field Museum as HS2 celebrates Britain's Festival of Archaeology

    To mark the Council for British Archaeology's Festival of Archaeology , we are holding a series of free online events so you can get involved and find out more about what treasures are being unearthed as we build the country's new high speed railway. The Festival of Archaeology runs from July 17 - August 1, shining a light on our past and how our ancestors lived.

    Subjects we will be covering in the free online 'webinars' include:

  • The archaeology of the Chilterns
  • St James' burial ground
  • Hillingdon's hidden history
  • Doddershall
  • Coleshill built heritage
  • Curzon Street
  • Innovations in archaeology
  • Uncovering the landscapes of HS2
  • Find out more about the Festival of Archaeology and the events we are holding

    We will also be holding our fourth weekend of open days at our Field Museum at St Mary's Church in Stoke Mandeville on Saturday 24 July and Sunday 25 July.

    Inside a specially constructed tent the size of a football pitch, archaeologists working on our behalf are currently excavating the remains of the former parish church of St. Mary the Virgin. This is a once in a generation opportunity to excavate the ruins of a medieval church and churchyard. Inside the museum you can ascend the viewing platform for a bird’s eye view of ongoing excavations, as well as displays, films and finds to explore the history of St. Mary’s Church and the amazing archaeological discoveries in the surrounding area.

    We’d love to welcome you onto site to explore this fascinating excavation, where you can learn about life and death in Stoke Mandeville over more than 800 years.

    Tickets are available to book from 10am on Tuesday July 13 and booking will close at 5pm on Thursday July 22 .

    Visit our event our events page to view details and book your tickets

    Detailed joining instructions including our Health and Safety statement will be sent to all registered attendees closer to the time.

    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

    Posted on 12th July 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Minister unveils exciting new designs for public space outside Old Oak ‘super-hub’ station: Join our online engagement events and visit our new webpage to find out more

    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.

    Please visit the Old Oak Common Station Urban Realm page

    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:

  • View or download our Old Oak Common urban realm virtual exhibition boards
  • View or download our Old Common urban realm brochure
  • Complete our online questionnaire
  • 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.

    Please register for this online engagement event

    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

    Posted on 8th July 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak Common

    HS2 announces new landmark as 700,000 trees planted and over 100 new habitats thriving on Phase One of the project

    As part of our extensive environmental programme, our contractors have now planted 700,000 trees and created over 100 wildlife sites along the route between the West Midlands and London .

    The wildlife sites represent a mix of different habitat types, including grassland, woodland, scrub and ponds, and are already havens for wildlife including birds, bats, barn owls, badgers, great crested newts, butterflies and dragonflies.

    Alongside our environmental contractors, we have designed tailored ecology plans that provide habitats for local wildlife and protected species including new badger setts, bat houses, bird boxes, reptile banks and bug houses, along with wildflower seeding, aquatic habitat creation and the reintroduction of native flora to help local wildlife populations thrive.

    Up to 7 million trees will eventually be planted alongside the line from the West Midlands to London and we will leave behind more than 33 square kilometres of new woodland, wildlife and river habitats - the equivalent of 23 new Hyde Parks lining the spine of the country.

    In addition, our Woodland Fund has also allocated over £1.2m as part of a grant scheme managed by the Forestry Commission, with 213,000 trees already planted including 92 hectares of new woodland creation and 52 hectares of ancient woodland restoration. For example, a project at Avon Wood in Warwickshire has created a diverse new 11-hectare woodland within three miles of the new railway. More than 18,000 new trees have been planted there, with 30% of the woodland being oak, with the rest mainly made up of hornbeam, alder, beech, lime, holly and birch.

    We are continuing to progress with potential new schemes to be supported through the Woodland Fund, which could eventually support an additional 440 hectares of new native woodland creation as well as the restoration of 245 hectares of existing ancient woodland sites. Every habitat site is designed specifically to support local biodiversity, to link up existing wildlife habitats and create ecological networks which help to protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity and allow species to move through the landscape.

    Examples of new habitats sites include:

  • In Warwickshire , Finham Brook was previously a short-grazed field with no flowers and very few invertebrates. Since 2018, our contractor Keystone Environmental has planted over 6,000 trees, created four new ponds and a new 35 metre reptile basking bank. The ponds are already being used by great crested newts, skylarks, barn owls, badgers, and dragonflies and butterflies.
  • At South Cubbington Wood , also in Warwickshire, environmental contractor Five Rivers Environmental Contracting have planted 60,000 trees, along with species-rich grasslands. They have created seven new ponds designed for newts to breed in, as well as attracting other wildlife such as frogs, swallows, swifts and badgers. Like many of HS2’s new habitat sites, Cubbington has public rights of way, so local people are able to enjoy the habitats that have been created.
  • At Bernwood in Buckinghamshire , an ecologically and historically valuable area includes a network of ancient woodlands that are home to a range of wildlife, including rare and important species like Bechstein’s Bat and the Black Hairstreak butterfly. Our extensive tree planting has linked existing woodlands to create new bat flightlines away from the railway corridor, and several green bridges will maintain connectivity across the railway and between habitats.
  • In the Colne Valley , we have revealed ambitious plans to create one of the largest areas of chalk grassland on the edge of the Chilterns. The site will receive a continuous supply of chalk from the nearby tunnelling underneath the Chilterns Hills until 2024, helping to establish over 127 hectares of new chalk grassland, woodland, wood pasture and wetland habitats. Field trials are currently in preparation ahead of final seeding, and planting of trees and shrubs in 2025.
  • 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

    Posted on 6th July 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Sign up for an online event to find out about plans for the urban realm design at Old Oak Common Station

    We would like to invite you to an online 'webinar' to learn 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.

    Please register for this online engagement 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

    Posted on 30th June 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Please remember to join our mailing list to be kept informed about HS2 in your area

    As part of our ongoing pledge to keeping communities informed about the planning and delivery of the HS2 project, we are introducing a number of improvements to how we share information with you .

    This is a reminder that we're moving your local website within the HS2 website

    This summer we will be moving the contents of this website over to the 'In your area' section of the main HS2 website. We are also changing the way that we issue email updates about the project and giving you more choice about how you would like to receive information from us.

    We have published local community landing pages for each section of the route between London, the West Midlands and Crewe. These provide information about the HS2 route within each area. Over the coming weeks we will be adding further pages and information to each area.

    We are aiming to complete this exercise next month (July) and will write to you again to confirm this nearer the time.

    Join the HS2 mailing list to continue to receive updates from HS2 about the project

    We will no longer be using this website or Commonplace to issue email updates to you. Instead, we are asking that you sign up to receive information from HS2 directly. We will continue to produce regular updates about the project, including notifications of our upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what we’re doing to make it less disruptive.

    If you would like to continue to receive updates from HS2 you can sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list . We will ask you to confirm your email address as part of the sign-up process.

    The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation and only used for the purposes for which you have provided it.

    Find out more about what we will do to keep your information safe in our Personal information charter .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to receive email updates from us please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 25th June 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Demolition and drainage surveys update notice, Demolition works - 21 June to mid August and drainage surveys - 22 to 24 June 2021.

    Demolition works:

    From 21 June 2021 , works will commence to demolish the western section of the Heathrow Express Depot as well as a nearby substation.

    Our previous notification can be found here.

    These buildings are both located on the western end of the HS2 Old Oak Common Station site, close to Old Oak Common Lane. The demolition will pave the way to create access onto and over the Wycombe Line bridge for the construction activities due to commence in the satellite sites, south of Wells House Road.

    Drainage surveys:

    We will be carrying out drainage surveys in the Vehicle Compliance Area off Victoria Road (Area between Braitrim House and Boden). These works will take place overnight from 22 to 24 June 2021 , between 7pm and 5am.

    For further information please see our update notification.

    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 .

    Posted on 16th June 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Join our mailing list to continue receiving email updates about HS2 in your area

    This is a reminder that as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping communities informed about the planning and delivery of the HS2 project, we will be introducing a number of improvements to the ways in which we share information with you .

    We’re moving your local website within the HS2 website

    This summer we will be moving the contents of this website over to the 'In your area' section of the main HS2 website. We are also changing the way that we issue email updates about the project and giving you more choice about how you would like to receive information from us.

    We have published local community landing page s for each section of the route between London, the West Midlands and Crewe. These provide information about the HS2 route within each area. Over the coming weeks we will be adding further pages and information to each area.

    We are aiming to complete this exercise in July this year and will write to you to confirm this closer to the time.

    We’re asking you to sign up for notifications to continue to receive updates from HS2

    We will no longer be using this website or Commonplace to issue email updates to you. Instead, we are asking that you sign up to receive information from HS2 directly. We will continue to produce regular updates about the project, including notifications of our upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what we’re doing to make it less disruptive.

    If you would like to continue to receive updates from HS2 you can sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list . We will ask you to confirm your email address as part of the sign-up process.

    The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation and only used for the purposes for which you have provided it.

    Find out more about what we will do to keep your information safe in our Personal information charter .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to receive email updates from us please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 9th June 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Silo delivery tonight after 7pm; Online event about HS2's works and on the road network 8 June; Update notice of demolition works from 7 June

    Two silos will be delivered to the Old Oak Common station site tonight after 7pm. These silos will be used for the concrete batching plant and polymer plants. More information about this along with further information about work on site and extended work hours can be found here .

    We will be holding a free online information and Q&A session to provide an overview of HS2’s work on the road network and how our contractors/partners are working together to minimise disruption in Old Oak Common. This event is being held on Tuesday 8th June 2021 6pm to 7pm. To sign up to the event please visit our pages here .

    From 7 June, we will be demolishing a small section of a concrete building on the Flat Iron site which is a continuation of existing work on the site. For further info please visit the notice here .

    Posted on 3rd June 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Virtual one to ones in Old Oak Common

    Dates for our one to ones have now been set for the remainder of the year and can be found here . We shall remain virtual for the time being as feedback suggests that people find the convenience of online is better than face to face.

    Our one to ones allow people to raise questions and issues with the HS2 team and relevant contractors; BBVS, SCS or CSJV. Each month you'll be able to book a slot with specific contractors in the Old Oak Common area at https://www.hs2.org.uk/events/ .

    Posted on 1st June 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    We’re making improvements to your local community website

    As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping communities informed about the planning and delivery of the HS2 project we are introducing a number of improvements to the ways in which we share information with you.

    We’re moving your local website within the HS2 website

    This summer we will be moving the contents of this website over to the 'In your area' section of the main HS2 website. We are also changing the way that we issue email updates about the project and giving you more choice about how you would like to receive information from us.

    These changes will help to

  • provide you with quicker access to key documents and information about the HS2 project, and
  • make it is easier for you to be kept informed about our works and activities in your local area.
  • We have published local community landing pages for each section of the route between London, the West Midlands and Crewe. These provide information about the HS2 route within each area. Over the coming weeks we will be adding further pages and information to each area.

    Once we have moved all of the key pages and information from this website onto the HS2 website later this summer, we will stop updating this website. Visitors to this website will be signposted to the new pages within HS2.org.uk

    At this point, we will stop publishing updates to this website and you will no longer receive email notifications from this website.

    We are aiming to complete this exercise in July this year and will write to you to confirm this closer to the time.

    We’re making changes to the way we share updates with you by email

    In addition to moving the local website we are also taking this opportunity to improve our mailing lists and create greater flexibility around how you receive information from us.

    We will no longer be using this website or Commonplace to issue email updates to you. Instead, we are asking that you sign up to receive information from HS2 directly. We will continue to produce regular updates about the project, including notifications of our upcoming works, how it’s being constructed and what we’re doing to make it less disruptive.

    If you would like to continue to receive updates from HS2 you can sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list . We will ask you to confirm your email address as part of the sign-up process.

    Once we have moved across all of the pages and information from this website over to the HS2 website we will stop issuing emails from this website. Instead, you will receive emails directly from us about the parts of the project that you’ve expressed an interest in.

    The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with current data protection legislation and only used for the purposes for which you have provided it.

    Find out more about what we will do to keep your information safe on our Personal information charter .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to receive email updates from us please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.

    Posted on 27th May 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Updates: Notice of vegetation clearance on 30 May and extended working hours at the Victoria Road Crossover Box site

    We previously notified you in March 2021 about vegetation clearance works next to the Dudding Hill Bridge to enable the construction of the conveyor foundations. Unfortunately, due to proximity of the works to the Network Rail lines, we were not able to complete the works. The final works in the northern abutment area (in our Atlas Road site) have now been rescheduled to take place on Sunday 30 May between 9am to 4pm. These works must be carried out during a railway track possession when there are fewer trains running for safety reasons. For further information about these works please read the notice here .

    Works are ongoing at the Victoria Road Crossover Box site to build a ventilation shaft and prepare for future construction of the crossover box below ground. As mentioned in our previous notification to you in April 2021, some of these works will need to take place during extended working hours. From early June 2021 until Spring 2022, we will be extending our working hours on the Victoria Road Crossover Box site. This means that we will initially be able to undertake work on site from 7am on Monday to 1pm on Saturday, which will then we extended to 6pm Saturdays from early August 2021. Please read here for further information .

    Posted on 21st May 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Virtual one to ones on 26 May

    Posted on 21st May 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Historic moment as first HS2 giant tunnelling machine launched

    We have today announced the launch of ‘Florence’ – the first of 10 HS2 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that will dig 64 miles of tunnel on Phase One of the UK’s new high speed railway. ‘Florence’ was launched from our South Portal site next to the M25 in Hertfordshire, at an event attended by HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson .

    Florence, at 2,000 tonnes and 170m-long – the largest ever used on a UK rail project – will dig 10 miles of tunnel under the Chilterns, operating 24/7 for the next three years. Designed specifically for the mix of chalk and flints under the Chilterns, Florence and her identical TBM 'Cecilia'will dig separate tunnels for north and southbound trains. Each machine operates as a self-contained underground factory - digging the tunnel, lining it with concrete wall segments and grouting them into place at a speed of around 15 metres a day. Each tunnel will require 56,000 precision engineered, fibre-reinforced segments – which will all be made on site.

    A crew of 17 people will operate each TBM, working in shifts to keep the machines running 24/7. They will be supported by over 100 people on the surface, managing the logistics and maintaining the smooth progress of the tunnelling operation. Chalk excavated from the tunnels will be used for landscaping at the south portal site once construction is complete, creating wildlife-rich chalk grassland habitats across 127 hectares of the southern Chiltern hills. Find out more about HS2's tunnelling programme .

    Named after nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale – a name suggested by local children due to her residence at nearby Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, and chosen in a public vote – the TBM will dig the first of a pair of 10 mile long tunnels under the Chiltern hills and help to safeguard the woodland and wildlife habitats above ground, before emerging near Hyde Heath. A second machine ‘Cecilia’ will launch next month to excavate the second tunnel at the South Portal site.

    Built by Herrenknecht, a world leader in TBM manufacturing, at its factory in south-west Germany, the two 170m long machines were transported to the UK in more than 300 separate shipments last year , before being reassembled, tested and commissioned by an expert team of tunnelling engineers at the Chiltern tunnel south portal site, near the M25 to the north-west of London.

    The first two TBMs will be operated by main works contractor, Align – a joint venture formed of three international infrastructure companies: Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. Align is recruiting 1,200 personnel in total, including 100 apprentices, to work on this area of the project and are targeting their recruitment and investment in upskilling local people who are currently unemployed, with a particular focus on women, the under 25s and those with disabilities, helping us support the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs to protect, support and create employment during the COVID-19 crisis.

    More than 16,000 jobs and over 500 apprenticeships are already being supported by the project, which is set to transform transport links between Britain’s major cities, free up space on the rail network for more freight and local services and support the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions.

    The names of the two TBMs were suggested by students at Meadow High School in Hillingdon and The Chalfonts Community College, Buckinghamshire, which are close to the tunnel launch site. They were inspired by Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern medicine, and pioneering astronomer and astrophysicist, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.

    Some facts and figures about the Chiltern tunnel TBMs :

  • The tunnels will go as deep as 80m below the ground – ensuring communities and countryside above are not impacted by the railway
  • The cutter head will rotate at a speed of up to 3.2rpm with the machine expected to cover 15.6 metres per day.
  • When they start they will run almost non-stop 24 hours a day for 3.5 years
  • They will convert the spoil into slurry which will be pumped back to the south portal site where it will be treated before being used for landscaping on-site, removing the need for additional HGVs on local roads.
  • The total volume excavated by both TBM is 2.7million cubic metres
  • Useful links
  • Website: Visit our tunnelling pages on the HS2 website
  • Video: What is a tunnel boring machine?
  • 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

    Posted on 13th May 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    New look HS2 online educational resources focus on STEM stars of the future

    Our dedicated education pages on the HS2 website have undergone a major redesign, with a collection of new resources to help teachers bring a careers context to curriculum learning with the aim of inspiring young people to take an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects and careers .

    Teachers are able to find relevant resources much more easily through the introduction of a filter function, there are new resources available with supporting videos and also a workshop delivery guide with activities tailored to pupils ranging from the ages of 5 all the way up to 18.

    View the new look educational resources pages - download guides, lesson plans, videos and worksheets

    The fresh look of the educational resources follows on from the introduction earlier this year of a suite of curriculum-linked projects designed to help teachers and parents home schooling during the Covid-19 pandemic when we were unable to deliver our regular programme of STEM workshops and schools were less able to take students 'off-curriculum' for career-themed activities during lockdown.

    Created by our Skills, Employment and Education team, the resource pages include plans for STEM lessons which teachers can use to introduce a careers context to regular curriculum lessons. Activities take around 1-2 hours to complete and include using maths skills to work out how to construct a bridge across a motorway, researching the ecology of great created newts to create new habitats and using archaeological information to interpret the history of a site. Pupils also have the opportunity to design a new product to improve the customer experience when travelling by train and use their science skills to create an environmental improvement plan for their school.

    We have also included a delivery guide for teachers who would like to run a STEM inspiration day in their school. This includes videos, teacher notes, presentations and worksheets for activities where students can develop their skills through hands-on and team build challenges to inspire them to become EPIC (Extraordinary People Initiating Change) engineers. Students develop their STEM powers, exploring the essential skills that are needed to be successful in a STEM career. Activities are underpinned by examples from the world of work, with students finding out about careers in transport infrastructure as they take on different roles in the challenges.

    Activities include 'Stations of the Future': a team-based design-and-present activity where students compete to design a futuristic train station considering future trends and the needs of all customers and also tunnel building, where students design, construct and test a supporting structure for a cut and cover tunnel.

    We have also introduced STEM projects accredited by the British Science Association, which, when completed, can be entered for a CREST Award. These are longer projects aimed at inspiring pupils to become scientists and engineers that encourage students to carry out independent research or investigation. The target age and duration of the projects vary.

    The updated online resources also include activities adapted for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to encourage them to think about pursuing STEM careers. Downloadable lessons for SEND students include working in teams to design a train station, learning about ecosystems and building an insect hotel, and preparing for independent rail travel through role play.

    Younger students aged between 7-11 can also get involved in shorter activities ranging from making rail tracks from everyday materials, solving puzzles and planning a railway route.

    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

    Posted on 11th May 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Surveys & ground investigations and Network Rail work

    Surveys & ground investigation works: 2 May to mid July 2021

    From 18 April decommissioning of the Heathrow Express depot will take place. These works will include de-wiring of overhead line equipment and track recovery and will last for several weeks. Sections of the adjacent Great Western main line will be temporarily closed for several hours whilst we carry out these works.

    We previously notified you that while this line is closed, work would start on 25 April. This work will now start on the 2 May . We will use the temporary railway closures to carry out important surveys and ground investigation work adjacent to the railway. To see the updated notice, please click here .

    Network Rail work at Old Oak Common station site: 15 May 2021

    Network Rail will remove a redundant telecom tower at the HS2 Old Oak Common station site on the evening of 15 May into the 16 May between the hours of 12am to 4am. The tower is approximately 30 years old and the system it once supported is no longer used on the rail network.

    This work is by Network Rail and any contact should be made direct to them on 03457 11 41 41. For further information please read the notice here .

    Posted on 29th April 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Update: Upcoming and ongoing work at Victoria Road Crossover Box site, 10 May to late June 2021

    From 10 May to late June 2021 , we will be carrying out piling works in the Victoria Road Crossover Box site. These works will take place during our core working hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturdays as required.

    Bored piling uses a rotary rig to remove spoil, replacing it with reinforced concrete piles that withstand tension. These piles provide a strong concrete foundation that will support structures with heavy loads. To minimise the impact of these works to our neighbours the following mitigations methods will be in place:

    • Monitor ground movement, noise and dust to ensure this is kept to a minimum

    • Continue to dampen down areas of the site if required to reduce the amount of dust generated by construction activities

    • Continue to monitor our construction methods to minimise disruption to the local community

    Works are ongoing to build a ventilation shaft and prepare for future works to build the Victoria Road Crossover Box. Works taking place during spring 2021 include:

    • Ongoing construction of on-site road and drainage

    • Construction of storage areas

    • Ground preparations to build working platforms for future crossover box construction, including the installation of a guide wall

    • Ongoing construction of the ventilation shaft and concrete ring installation

    • Installation of site welfare facilities, including utility connections

    • Works to set up bentonite plant and bending yard

    • Piling works to prepare for construction of the Victoria Road Crossover Box

    For more information please see our update works notification.

    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 .

    Posted on 21st April 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Notices of maintenance of pedestrian crossing in Channel Gate Road; surveys and ground investigations; vehicles using Grand Union Canal bridge

    Maintenance of pedestrian crossing in Channel Gate Road: Saturday 17 April 2021

    Our contractor, SCSJV, will be carrying out works on the pedestrian crossing on Channel Gate Road to repaint the pedestrian crossing. Works to repaint the crossing are planned to take place on Saturday 17 April between the hours of 8am to 1pm. We anticipate these works will take approximately two hours. For further information please read the notice here .

    Surveys and ground investigation works: 25 April to mid July 2021

    From 18 April the Great Western main line will be closed for the de-commissioning of the Heathrow Express depot. These works will include de-wiring and track recovery and will last for several weeks.

    While this line is closed, starting from the 25 April, we will use this time to carry out important surveys and ground investigation work adjacent to the railway. This work is important to help us to understand more about the current ground conditions in the local area. The surveys will take place along all rail infrastructure between Mitre Bridge and the North London railway line. You can read more about the work here .

    Update: vehicles to start using Grand Union Canal bridge: 26 April 2021 onwards

    Since February, we have been preparing the bridge for use by HS2 construction vehicles to help us reduce the use of local roads while moving materials between these sites. We anticipate the bridge to start being used by lorries from late April onwards. For more information please read the notice here .

    Ground investigations on Chase Road: 29 April to 1 July 2021

    As part of our ongoing works to prepare for construction of the HS2 tunnels and crossover box, SCSJV will be carrying out further ground investigations on Chase Road. This will involve digging temporary trenches to confirm the location of utilities under the road surface. You can read more about it here .

    Posted on 16th April 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Closure of Old Oak Common Lane by Ealing Council 10 April; vegetation clearance update 12 April and Utility surveys 21 April

    Ealing Council to close Old Oak Common Lane Saturday 10 April

    Ealing have to undertake some emergency carriageway repairs and will close Old Oak Common Lane on Saturday 10 April between 7.30am to 12pm. This is not HS2 related and queries should be directed to the London Borough of Ealing. You can read more about it here .

    Update about vegetation clearance at the back of Wells House Road from 12 April

    There is a change in how the team are clearing vegetation at the back of Wells House Road; a mini digger will now be used due to the amount fly tipped rubbish. For further information please read the update here .

    Overnight utility surveys on Park Royal Road on 21 April

    We will be carrying out further drainage surveys in your area during April. We previously notified you about drainage surveys planned on Park Royal Road opposite Acton cemetery overnight on 29 March 2021. Unfortunately, these works were unable to take place as planned and have now been rescheduled to take place overnight on 21 April 2021. For further information please read the notice here .

    Posted on 9th April 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update on the colour of conveyor system; UKPN trial holes from 19 April; concrete pour at the station site on 7 April

    Conveyor system colour

    During the spring our contractors SCSJV and BBVS will build a conveyor system between our sites in Old Oak and Park Royal to allow for the movement of excavated material between sites. The conveyor system will be light grey in colour which will blend in to the surroundings. For further information about the colour you can read the notice here .

    UKPN trial holes

    UKPN are undertaking trial holes and other work on underground cables from 19 April 2021 on Network Rail land by the railway east of Victoria Road and south of Wells House Road. The work should be finished at the end of May. For further information you can read the UKPN letter here .

    Concrete pour at Old Oak Common station site

    Earlier this year, we notified the community of our programme of piling and diaphragm wall activity taking place at the Old Oak Common Station site. You can view that notification here: https://www.hs2.org.uk/work-items/notice-of-piling-and-diaphragm-wall-works/

    As part of these works, we agreed extended working hours to allow time for the safe completion of large concrete pours for the ground strengthening activity, and we only work these hours where required, not every day.

    We will be completing the first large concrete pour on the site on Wednesday 7 April 2021. We will aim to complete the pour as quickly as possible, however this may continue into the extended hours up until 10pm. We will have more large concrete pours over the coming months. To find out more, please read the update here .

    Posted on 1st April 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 contractor supports small businesses to win work to build Britain’s new railway

    Our contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS Railways), is launching a virtual enterprise academy for the second time and is looking for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to get involved .

    The three-month programme has 150 free places available and will upskill businesses, giving SMEs the tools to work on projects like Britain's new high-speed railway.

    Beginning in April, the Academy will run through until June, and the modules will cover topics including HR, health and safety, social value, carbon management innovation, the environment, risk management, finance and commercial awareness. To get involved, businesses need to have a turnover of £1 million for 2019/2020, a core business offering that aligns with the construction industry, and must demonstrate why they would like to take part in the Academy.

    To date, we have already awarded around £18bn worth of contracts directly and a significant proportion of this value is expected to flow out to the wider supply chain. By the end of 2022, it’s estimated this figure will reach around £25bn. Over 2,000 businesses have already won work on the project, 70% of which are SMEs.

    Registration for the Virtual Academy closes on Tuesday 6th April. In order to access and apply for a place, businesses need to register on the CompeteFor portal . We and our construction partners also use CompeteFor to advertise all subcontract opportunities, and businesses who set up a company profile can receive tailored alerts to opportunities that match their trade. As Britain strives to build back better, businesses of all sizes from across the UK are encouraged to get ‘HS2 ready’.

    For more information about HS2 please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 31st March 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: work on Wormwood Scrubs and Scrubs community engagement meeting 23 March

    HS2 and our contractors, BBVS, are continuing the work at Wormwood Scrubs which will now include the creation of the new access route from Old Oak Common Lane. For further information please read the notice here .

    HS2 will be holding a community engagement meeting to discuss site activity on Wormwood Scrubs, on 23 March from 6pm to 7.30pm. The link below can be used to sign-up for the community engagement meeting:

    https://www.hs2.org.uk/events/hs2-works-on-wormwood-scrubs-community-meeting/

    Posted on 18th March 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    New interactive map lets you see when and where HS2 works are taking place in your area

    We have introduced a new, user-friendly interactive map to the HS2 website, making it easier and simpler for you to find out what current and upcoming works we are carrying out in your area .

    The new In your area map brings all of our work notifications together on one page, making it easier for you to navigate and ensure you are kept up-to-date on the work we are doing to deliver the new railway. There is also a text only view , which allows you to view the information in a table and filter results for each area.

    Each work item, highlighted on the map with a 'hard hat' icon, lets you know:

  • the location and planned duration of the works
  • which contractor is delivering it, and
  • what kind of activity they are doing, such as setting up a compound or an archaeological dig.
  • You can easily see any other works we might be doing nearby, also pinpointed with an icon.

    We will be introducing further improvements to the mapping tool and to this local website over the coming months. We will keep you informed of changes as they happen through our regular email notifications and our local engagement events and activities.

    We'd like your feedback

    We'd like to know what you think about the new mapping tool and ways that we can improve it, to ensure that you can easily find information about the delivery of the railway in your area and how to contact us if you have any questions.

    Let us know your views by completing our In your area map feedback survey .

    Contact us if you have any questions

    If you have any questions about the recent changes or would like some help using the new interactive map, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .

    Posted on 12th March 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Be the voice of your community on the Construction Commissioner Steering Group – applications open for Local Community Representatives

    Posted on 22nd February 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Sign up to one of our February virtual one-to-ones slots and conveyor system engagement events

    Virtual one to ones

    Each month the virtual one-to-one's will have different themed discussions where you can book a 20-minute slot to talk with the team from HS2, SCS, CSjv and BBVS.

    These virtual one to one meetings are an opportunity for you to find out more about HS2, what it means for your local area and have your questions answered.

    Our next virtual one-to-ones in Old Oak Common are on 24 February between 3pm and 6pm. For more information and to sign up please go to our website here .

    Conveyor system online engagement events

    We are hosting three online information events for the Old Oak community to discuss the construction of the HS2 conveyor system in the area. Please join us at one of these events to find out more about:

  • upcoming works to install a conveyor system between our sites
  • measures in place to minimise disruption to our neighbours
  • The events are taking place the community 23 February, 1 March and 3 March. An event for businesses is taking place on 26 February. To sign up please go to website here .

    Posted on 19th February 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Notification updates: Continuation of utility works in Atlas Road and Victoria Road until May 2021; Network Rail decommissioning work at HS2 Old Oak station site March to September 2021; Thames Water work on Stephenson Street on 24 February 2021

    Continuation of utility works in Atlas Road and Victoria Road until May 2021

    We are continuing to lay power cables in the area for the tunnel boring machines. Phase 1 of the work in Atlas road will complete on 26 February. Further phases of the work will take place in Victoria Road from late February until May 2021. For further information please read the notification here .

    Network Rail decommissioning work at the HS2 Old Oak station site between March and September 2021

    Network Rail will be taking out of use their train maintenance depot to make way for the HS2 Old Oak station and so they have to modify the existing rail network at the site. For further information please read the letter here . Please contact Network Rail direct if you have any queries about this work on 03457 114141 or NRHS2@networkrail.co.uk quoting MLN1 2m1254yds - 3m1430yds.

    Thames Water work on Stephenson Street between 10am and 12pm on 24 February 2021

    Thames Water will be carrying out water quality and pressure testing on Stephenson Street on 24 February. the water supply may be interrupted during this time and Thames Water recommend taking precautionary measures such as pre-filling your kettle, and avoid using appliances such as dish washers and washing machines. For further information please read the letter here and their fact sheet here . Please contact Thames Water direct if you have any queries on 0800 316 9800 quoting Bulletin Board 70018593.

    Posted on 16th February 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Drone surveys week commencing 22 February and information events, 23 February, 1 & 3 March 2021; Utility surveys on Scrubs Lane, 24 February and virtual 1:1s 24 February, 24 March, 28 April & 26 May 2021; Piling and diaphragm wall works, February to April 2021

    Drone survey:

    We will be carrying out a drone survey of the conveyor route. The drone survey is planned during the week of 22 February 2021. The survey will take one day between 8am and 6pm. The drone survey is weather dependent and the date may change.

    Information events:

    We are hosting three online community information events to discuss the construction of the HS2 conveyor system in the area. The events will provide further details on the upcoming works to install the conveyor system between our sites and the measures in place to minimise disruption to our neighbours.

    The events will take place on:

    • Tuesday 23 February 2021 – 5:30pm to 7pm

    • Monday 1 March 2021 – 6:30pm to 8pm; and

    • Wednesday 3 March 2021 – 12pm to 1:30pm

    To register your attendance please visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/events/

    For further information please see our works notification.

    Utility surveys on Scrubs Lane update:

    We notified you in January 2021 about additional drainage surveys along Scrubs Lane. We were not able to complete this survey as planned. The drainage surveys have been rescheduled and will take place overnight on 24 February between 9pm and 6am. We will investigate the condition of the drainage using a camera and may need to flush the drainage system using a high-pressure water jet.

    Virtual 1:1s

    HS2 will continue with its programme of virtual surgery-style 1:1s during 2021. Dates for 2021 are as follows

    • Wednesday 24 February 2021

    • Wednesday 24 March 2021

    • Wednesday 28 April 2021

    • Wednesday 26 May 2021

    For further information please see our works notification.

    Piling and diaphragm wall works:

    From February to April 2021, we will be setting up large machinery on site, including several mobile cranes, piling rigs and excavation machinery. Due to the size of these machines, and the large vehicles required to bring them to the site, some deliveries of machinery will need to take place early in the morning, between 5am-6:30am, to minimise disruption to traffic.

    For further information please see our works notification.

    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

    Posted on 9th February 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Vegetation clearance at Wormwood Scrubs from 15 February and update on vegetation clearance at Wells House Road boundary wall

    Vegetation clearance at Wormwood Scrubs from 15 February

    From 15 February BBVS will start to clear vegetation on the two sites required for the Stamford Brook sewer diversion and the Undertrack Crossing utilities works on Wormwood Scrubs. For more detailed information about the work and information about access to the sites, please read the notice here.

    UPDATE on vegetation clearance at Wells House Road boundary wall

    We previously notified you on that we would be carrying out vegetation maintenance along the Wells House Road boundary wall in January 2021 to ensure that the existing structural monitoring prisms are not obstructed by foliage. This work will now take place in mid-February 2021.

    Posted on 5th February 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    New  jobs board showcases opportunities to work on HS2 

    We have launched our brand-new jobs site to promote the estimated 20,000 roles that Phase One of the project is creating in the months and years ahead, the first time all opportunities to work directly on HS2 have been available to search in one place.

    This follows the Prime Minister's announcement of the 22,000 job opportunities available on the high speed rail project, when officially starting construction in September 2020. The initiative has the backing of the Department for Work and Pensions and a Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out the agreed roles and responsibilities of HS2 Ltd and its job brokerage partners, is in place between the two organisations.

    The new digital platform, hosted on the HS2 website  , offers those looking for work or a change of career, the opportunity to search the very latest vacancies with our construction partners and station contractors delivering the London to Birmingham section of the railway. The jobs board allows prospective candidates to search for vacancies by region or specialism, so they can quickly identify opportunities that match their criteria. 

    In September 2020, our four main works contractors and two station construction partners estimated that they would create over 20,000 jobs to support the decade-long construction programme for Phase One of the project. The jobs board, highlighting opportunities to work with us within the  supply chain, makes it easier for jobseekers to navigate and find a position that matches their career aspirations.

    It has been developed as part of a job brokerage partnership model, bringing together local authorities, enterprise partnerships, charities and employment support services along the 140-mile route of the first phase of the new railway. Job brokerage partners will play an integral role in supporting individuals from local communities, disadvantaged and underrepresented groups into employment on the project, in line with objectives set out in our Skills, Employment and Education Strategy.

    We have already supported 13,000 jobs, including more than 400 new apprenticeship starts and over 550 previously unemployed individuals. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we and our contractors also supported over 100 work experience placements to ensure that individuals are actively engaged with the programme and have the very best opportunity to capitalise on future career openings. 

    The start of main construction works last year was a catalyst for the project, spearheading £12bn of contract opportunities which British businesses are beginning to bid for.  As our tier one contractors begin procuring suppliers and services required to deliver their work packages, the number of job opportunities will increase. This heightened demand has created new career pathways and long-term career prospects for individuals at all levels, in both blue and white-collar roles.

    Please click here for more information about HS2’s job brokerage programme, or to search for vacancies on the new job platform .

    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 .

    Posted on 1st February 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 set to start construction of Victoria Road Crossover Box

    Our main works construction partner, Skanska Costain STRABAG Railways Joint Venture (SCS Railways), has completed sheet piling works in Acton, enabling construction of the Victoria Road Crossover Box.

    The Victoria Road Crossover Box, near to Old Oak Common, allows trains to switch tracks underground on their approach into the new superhub station. The installation of 200m of sheet piling was the final piece of enabling work before permanent works can begin, with the site team ensuring that vital utilities in the area, including a Thames Water Main and UK Power Network cables were unaffected.

    3D model of the Victoria Road Crossover Box

    The site is located to the west of where the new Old Oak Common station is being constructed. The huge underground box structure will house a crossover track mechanism that will allow trains to switch between tracks, up to a design speed of 62 mph, on the approach and descent from Old Oak Common station.

    The box will be 130m in length and 24m deep, with 1.5m thick walls constructed by diaphragm piling method, with top and intermediate levels of reinforced concrete props. The base slab of the crossover box will be supported by 77 piles installed 20m into the ground below the slab level.

    Key facts about the Victoria Road Crossover Box:

  • The crossover box will have a volume of 131,820m3 – the same as 55 Olympic swimming pools
  • The structure will use 3,700 tonnes of reinforcement – roughly a third of the weight of the Eiffel Tower
  • The depth of the box is equivalent to six double decker buses on top of each other
  • The piles are 44m long – similar to the height of the Arc de Triomphe
  • The site at Victoria Road is also currently being prepared to launch the Northolt Tunnel Boring Machines which will bore 3.4 miles north west, as part of the construction of HS2’s 8.4 mile Northolt Tunnel. It will also house the Victoria Road Ancillary Shaft which will provide ventilation and emergency access to the rail line during operation.

    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 .

    Posted on 26th January 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Home learning activities for the high-speed railway builders of the future

    With many parents supporting children who are learning at home during the current time, we have developed a range of interesting curriculum-linked projects to work on at home. These include shorter activities ideal for families supporting younger children with learning at home and pre-planned lessons that secondary school teachers could set students as part of their curriculum learning.

    The online resources were created as a result of us being unable to visit schools to deliver our regular programme of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshops because of Covid-19 restrictions and also schools being less able to take students 'off-curriculum' for career-themed activities due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.

    Our Skills, Employment and Education team has created plans for STEM lessons which teachers can use to introduce a careers context to regular curriculum lessons. The activities are expected to take 1-2 hours to complete and are aimed primarily at 11-14 year-olds. Lessons include using maths skills to decide on how to construct a bridge across a motorway, researching the ecology of great created newts to create new habitats and using archaeological information to interpret the history of a site. There are also longer STEM projects and workshops available online, where students can develop their skills through hands-on and team build challenges to inspire them to become EPIC engineers.

    During the past year, five HS2 colleagues have become Enterprise Advisors for schools for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our work with these schools revealed a demand for STEM activities adapted for SEND students, to encourage them to consider STEM careers. Online lessons for SEND students include working in teams to design a train station, learning about ecosystems and building an insect hotel, and preparing for independent rail travel through role play.

    Younger students aged between 7-11 can also get involved in shorter activities ranging from making rail tracks from everyday materials, solving puzzles and planning a railway route.

    For more information and to download guides and worksheets, visit our learning from home educational content web page .

    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 .

    Posted on 26th January 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Return to work programme creates new opportunities to work on HS2

    Our main works construction partner for the West Ruislip to London Euston section of Britain’s new high speed railway has launched two new careers-focused initiatives, helping people who have taken a career break back into employment .

    In line with our drive to create employment opportunities for local people and those from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, the Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture is working in partnership with London-based organisations, Women Returners and STEM Returners , to actively engage the local community and support individuals who have taken a career break back into work.

    The Women Returners initiative is aimed at experienced professionals from a variety of backgrounds who have taken a career break of two years or more. The programme will offer six months’ paid work placements to six candidates, with a high likelihood of ongoing employment on HS2. Participants will receive comprehensive support, including a Career Returners Coaching Programme.

    In 2020, the joint venture recruited six high-calibre employees through the Women Returners programme, with a 100% conversion into permanent employment. It is hoped that this year’s initiative will encourage more people to join the sector and secure long-term employment. The programme particularly welcomes applications from female returners, supporting our aim to address the gender imbalance commonplace in the construction and rail sectors. However, recognising that career breaks for parental care or personal reasons are not exclusive to women, the joint venture also encourages male applicants.

    The second recruitment initiative is an innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) focused programme. Six places will be available on the 12-week programme, designed for individuals with a STEM-based career background such as engineering, or those who have worked in the STEM sector. Mentoring and coaching will be provided to ensure that those returning to work after a lengthy absence, are fully supported.

    After the 12 weeks, successful candidates may be offered full-time positions. The STEM Returners scheme has already supported almost 200 candidates, with 96% offered full-time roles at the end of their placement. The joint venture expects to recruit over 4,000 jobs, including positions for around 550 previously unemployed people and 400 apprenticeships to deliver its works for HS2.

    Find out more information about Women Returners , STEM Returners and careers at SCS Railways .

    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 .

    Posted on 13th January 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 set to reach 730,000 planted trees landmark by spring 2021

    Over 300,000 trees will be planted by our specialist ecology teams across the Phase One route during the winter months, taking the total number of trees planted between London and the Midlands to more than 730,000 by this spring .

    The planting initiative is part of our extensive Green Corridor programme, designed to create a network of bigger, better-connected, habitats and new green spaces for people to enjoy. 430,000 trees have already been planted across Phase One and up to 7 million trees will eventually be planted along this part of the route, with many new grasslands, meadows and recreational areas for local communities.

    This short video highlights progress so far in the delivery of the Green Corridor.

    In West Ruislip , planting will create new woodland areas to provide connected habitats for bats . Trees being planted include field maple, hornbeam, hazel, holly, bird cherry, mountain ash, yew and spindle. There will also be areas of grassland and ponds created to protect local biodiversity and create new homes for a mix of wildlife.

    Through Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire , advanced planting and woodland compensation planting is being undertaken at West Hyde and Horn Hill, Wendover Dean, Aylesbury, Calvert and near the village of Ladbroke, by specialist ecology and landscape companies.

    In Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands , 60,000 trees will be planted at locations around South Cubbington Wood, Ashbeds Wood, Fulfen Wood, Ravenshaw and Broadwells Wood. A broad range of tree and shrub species will be planted to reflect each local area , including oak, hazel, birch, holly and hawthorn. This builds on the 80,000 trees already planted in the Midlands, with 40 ponds and many acres of wetland, heathland and meadow also created across the region.

    These areas will quickly develop to create new opportunities for wildlife and people, bolstering local wildlife corridors by linking with existing woodlands and other habitats. New wildlife habitats in a variety of locations also include badger setts, bat houses, bird boxes, reptile banks and bug houses to help local wildlife populations thrive.

    Green Corridor prospectus and mapping tool

    We have developed a new online map showing where we are delivering Green Corridor activities and highlighting our additional funded environmental projects along the route. You can view relevant Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) projects, the Woodland Fund, other local panel funds, and our environmental works in your area.

    The Green Corridor Prospectus accompanies the map, outlining how the Green Corridor and associated funding can benefit communities. Used together, these tools will enable community and environment groups to identify local opportunities to enhance and enjoy the natural environment using the funds available.

    Funding is available for a wide range of independent environmental projects to benefit nature and communities along the route , including creating new parks and play facilities, investing in green spaces in urban areas, regenerating areas along canals, and conserving and enhancing the historic environment. By working in partnership with organisations and individuals, the Green Corridor will deliver a positive, long-term legacy for the natural and historic environment , and for people and communities across the country.

    On Phase One and Phase 2a, the £7m HS2 Woodland Fund is helping local landowners create new native, broadleaf woodlands and restore existing ancient woodland sites. The first £1.25m has been allocated as part of a grant scheme managed on our behalf by the Forestry Commission, supporting 28 woodland projects that will deliver approximately 105 hectares of new woodland and restore a further 68 hectares of ancient woodland.

    For more information about funding available and how local groups can apply please visit www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/hs2-green-corridor

    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 .

    Posted on 11th January 2021

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 update: New community engagement public progress report, Green Corridor prospectus and construction forward looks published

    We have recently published some new documents which may be of interest to you. This is part of our commitment to keeping you informed about HS2 progress and construction activities in your area.

    Community engagement report: January to June 2020

    We have published the fifth public report that documents our progress towards being a good neighbour by putting engagement with communities at the heart of everything we do.

    This report covers the six-month period from January to June 2020, and draws on a number of case studies of activity during the first half of the year, along with currently available data such as from our Helpdesk, community funding awarded and the events we have held.

    View and download the Community Engagement Progress Report: January to June 2020 report. A collection of all our reports to date can be found on the HS2 website .

    We will continue to publish these reports on a regular basis.

    Green Corridor prospectus and mapping tool

    As part of our commitment to conserve and enhance Britain’s natural environment as we plan and build the railway, HS2 is creating a Green Corridor along the route, a network of joined up habitats, landscaping and community-based environmental projects.

    We have developed an online map showing where we are delivering Green Corridor activities and where additional HS2 funded environmental projects are being delivered along the route. You will be able to use the map to view relevant Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) projects, the Woodland Fund, other local panel funds, and HS2 environmental works in your area.

    We have also published a Green Corridor Prospectus to accompany the map. The prospectus outlines the many ways the Green Corridor and associated funding can benefit communities, for example, through the creation of new play facilities, investment in green spaces in urban areas, regeneration along canals, and conservation and enhancement of the historic environment.

    Used together the Prospectus and the online map will enable community and environment groups to identify local opportunities to enhance and enjoy the natural environment using the funds available.

    As you will know there are a number of grants available to support environmental projects and improve green spaces in your constituency, such as the HS2 Community & Environment Fund and the Woodland Fund. If you would like to know more about how local groups can apply for funding please visit www.hs2.org.uk/building-hs2/hs2-green-corridor .

    Construction activities in your area, Winter 2020

    We are committed to providing you with information about what construction activities will be happening in your area and when. Our construction forward looks include information on construction, environmental and survey activities planned over the next three months. The latest edition is available to view and download on the works in your area page .

    Please note that the dates and information included in the forward look may be subject to change as the programme develops and any changes will be updated in the next edition of the forward look.

    HS2 Helpdesk remains available all day, every day

    As a reminder, over the festive period the HS2 Helpdesk will continue to operate all day, every day , including Christmas Day and bank holidays. You can contact us for free on 08081 434 434, by Minicom on 08081 456 472, or by email at HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.

    Posted on 21st December 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak Common

    UPDATE: Sheet piling works at Grand Union Canal embankment next to Atlas Road and Willesden Euroterminal - change of date

    We notified you in November regarding sheet piling works which were due to take place during December 2020 on the Grand Union Canal embankment next to Atlas Road and Willesden Euroterminal. Due to unforeseen circumstances, some of these works have now been rescheduled to take place from 5 January to 13 January 2021 (excluding weekend).

    To maintain safety during these works, while the crane is in operation, we will need to briefly stop all traffic on the towpath near to the work area. Please allow for delays of up to 2 minutes to your journey.

    Please find further details of the works and location on the previous notification here .

    Posted on 17th December 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works notification: site establishment work at the Old Oak Common Station site; utility works in the Old Oak area

    Old Oak Common Station Site

    We are continuing with our site establishment work at the Old Oak Common Station site. Over the next few months, we will begin preparing for piling and diaphragm wall activity (ground strengthening to support our deep excavation works for the station). Read more about the work here.

    Utility Works in the Old Oak Area

    We are continuing with the diversion of utilities in the Old Oak area to provide power for the Tunnel Boring Machine to aid with the construction of the HS2 tunnels. Further information on these works can be found here .

    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.

    Posted on 11th December 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    UPDATE: Ongoing set up at Willesden Euroterminal site and drainage survey works by Atlas Road

    Ongoing set up at Willesden Euroterminal

    Works are continuing to set up the Willesden Euroterminal site with a variety of tasks to be undertaken through the winter months, with an increase of vehicle activity. For further information please read the notice here .

    Night time drainage survey works on 14 and 15 December

    Drainage surveys of the Thames Water main sewers around the Victoria Road and Atlas Road roundabout, originally planned on 16 November, will now take place overnight on 14 and 15 December. Further information, please read the notice here .

    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 .

    Posted on 4th December 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works notification: drone surveys at the station site; sheet piling at Grand Union Canal; utility surveys on Scrubs Lane

    Drone surveys from 23 November

    During the week of 23 November, drones will be used to complete surveys of the Old Oak Common station site. The drones will only fly over the station site and will not be photographing any other areas such as residential properties. You can read more here.

    Sheet piling works from 30 November

    From 30 November sheet piling will take place on the Grand Union Canal embankment between the HS2 Atlas Road and Willesden Euroterminal sites for three weeks. Read more about the work here.

    Utility surveys on Scrubs Lane on 2 December

    Drainage surveys will take place on Scrubs Lane on 2 December between 8am and 6pm. A temporary lane closure will be put in place for the safety of the team working. Further information can be found here.

    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 .

    Posted on 20th November 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Sign up to one of our November virtual drop-in slots

    As we first advertised in September , people can sign up to a slot for the next virtual drop-in on 25 November between 3pm and 6pm. After feedback from the first drop-in we have doubled the length of the sessions from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. You can sign up to talk about one of four themes for the drop-in:

  • Work at Wormwood Scrubs by BBVS. Register for this drop-in here
  • The setting up of Victoria Road sites, Willesden Euroterminal site and Atlas Road site by SCS. Register for this drop-in here
  • Works on Atlas Road, Victoria Road and Chase Road by CSJV. Register for this drop-in here
  • Employment discussions about HS2 with SCS. Register for this drop-in here
  • For further information about HS2 virtual drop-ins, please visit the community engagement section at www.HS2inOldOak.co.uk.

    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 .

    Posted on 17th November 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Reminder: Schedule 17 virtual engagement events

    As we wrote on on 2 November , HS2 will be running two virtual Microsoft Teams engagement events about our Schedule 17 applications to the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation. Our first one will be next Wednesday 18 November, 6pm to 7.30pm about the structures associated with the realignment and lowering of Old Oak Common Lane and an earth embankment on top of the Atlas Road logistics tunnel. For further information and to book a place please visit the webpage here .

    Posted on 13th November 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works notification: Extended working hours at the Flat Iron site on Victoria Road and works to build the Victoria Road crossover box and ventilation shaft; update on boundary wall works on Old Oak Common Lane

    Extended working hours at the Flat Iron site

    During winter 2020-21 we will continue work to upgrade the vehicle holding area in the Flat Iron site on Victoria Road. From 21 November until late January, we will be extending our weekend working hours at the Flat Iron site to complete these works. Our working hours at this site will be 8am to 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 4pm on Sundays.

    For further information please see our works notification .

    Works to build the Victoria Road crossover box and ventilation shaft

    We are building a crossover box at our site next to the Central line and on the corner of Victoria Road, School Road and Chase Road. From early December, we will start works to build the ventilation shaft. This will be 25 metres wide and about 30 metres deep to connect to the crossover box structure.

    For further information please see our works notification .

    Update on boundary wall works on Old Oak Common Lane

    We will install concrete blocks at the northern end of the boundary wall to protect against further movement. Work will start on Monday 23 November for approximately one week with a northbound lane closure on Old Oak Common Lane to keep the public safe, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Once the first phase is complete, the second phase will require a temporary road closure for night work which will start on Monday 30 November for approximately 9 nights, Monday to Friday from 10pm to 5am.

    For further information please see our works notification.

    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.

    Posted on 12th November 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works notifications: work on Wormwood Scrubs; haul road construction at the station site; extension of works on Chase Road and Thames Water weekend sewer work

    Work on Wormwood Scrubs

    HS2's station partner, BBVS, need to divert cables and pipes to the north and west of Wormwood Scrubs. They will carry out visual surveys from late October followed by topographical and utility surveys from November onwards. From December to early 2021 they will be setting up a site compound and clearing vegetation. For further information about this work, please read more about it here .

    Haul road construction at Old Oak Common Station site

    From 26 October, BBVS will begin to construct haul roads on the Old Oak Common Station site. The haul roads will extend from the site entrance on Old Oak Common Lane throughout the entire site to allow construction vehicles to access all areas. Further information can be found here .

    Extension of works on Chase Road and Thames Water weekend sewer work on Victoria Road

    Further to the notification of 16 July , HS2's early works contractor, CSJV, have to extend the utility diversion work until 13 November.

    Thames Water will be undertaking sewer repair work this weekend from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October on Victoria Road. It will involve extending the existing lane closure by 50 metres.

    For further information about both sets of works, please click here .

    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

    Posted on 14th October 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Sign up to free online events as part of Britain's Festival of Archaeology

    To mark the Council for British Archaeology's Festival of Archaeology , we are holding a series of free online events so you can get involved and find out more about what treasures are being unearthed as we build the country's new high speed railway. The event, now in its 29th year, is being held from October 24 - November 1, shining a light on our past and how our ancestors lived.

    A day in the life of a HS2 Archaeologist

    If you've ever wondered what an archaeologist does when they’re at work, then or webinar A day in the life of a HS2 Archaeologist on Monday October 26 (12.15 - 12.50pm) is for you!

    The session will explore the academic choices and professional job roles which led some of our archaeologists to their careers working on HS2. Hosted by one of our Historic Environment Managers and main works civils contractor CSJV’s Archaeological Lead, this webinar focuses on the careers of Dr Emma Hopla and Dr Emma Tetlow.

    They will discuss a typical week in the life of the Archaeological Client and the Archaeological Contractor, as well as some of the exciting discoveries they have made along the way. You will also be able to ask the team questions via a live Q&A chat.

    Sign up to attend this free online event via our Eventbrite page

    An Introduction to HS2 Archaeology: Staffordshire and Cheshire

    Our second session, An Introduction to HS2 Archaeology: Staffordshire and Cheshire , highlights how our archaeological works on Phase 2a from Fradley to Crewe, which cross north Staffordshire and East Cheshire, build upon our experiences and discoveries from Phase One, revealing new insights and findings about the history of this landscape.

    Led by Chris Jordan, our Historic Environment Manager for Phase 2a, this talk will introduce the heritage along the Phase 2a route, including the influence of the landscape, and discuss what we are trying to discover, how we do it, and what exciting finds we might expect over the next few years.

    You will be able to ask Chris and the team questions via a live Q&A chat during the online event which takes place on Tuesday October 27 (12.15 - 12.50pm) .

    Sign up to attend this free online event via our Eventbrite page

    An Introduction to St Mary's in Stoke Mandeville

    Our final webinar focuses on the archaeological works carried out at St Mary's Church in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire.

    An Introduction to St Mary's in Stoke Mandeville on Wednesday October 28 (12.15 - 12.50pm) will be led by Guy Hunt, Partner at LP Archaeology, alongside experts from HS2 and Fusion. Guy and the team will explain how the site is a fantastic opportunity for archaeologists to examine and understand a landscape which has been occupied by humans for thousands of years, dating back to the Bronze Age.

    The team will be available to answer your questions during a live Q&A chat option.

    Please be warned that the presentation will contain images of human remains (skeletons).

    Sign up to attend this free online event via our Eventbrite page

    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 .

    Posted on 12th October 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Boost for West London as Employment and Skills Hub set up with HS2 funds

    Businesses and residents in West London are set to benefit from a new Employment and Skills Hub, funded by HS2. The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has been successful in its bid to our Business and Local Economy Fund, securing more than £250,000 . The project is being delivered in partnership with London Borough of Brent, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Ealing, West London College and the Department for Work and Pensions.

    The hub will help support West London businesses during the current economic situation and beyond, providing stability and growth and helping businesses recruit, retain and develop a local, skilled workforce. It will also help local people gain new skills and access employment opportunities created by local businesses, including OPDC’s and our infrastructure and development projects.

    The £255,200 funding award is from the HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF), part of a combined total of £40million in funding available to local communities and businesses disrupted by the construction of Britain’s new high speed railway. This award joins a further 125 other projects which have also benefitted.

    The Old Oak and Park Royal area is undergoing an unprecedented transformation ahead of the arrival of our new station and OPDC-led plans to transform the area project that the neighbourhood around the new station could potentially create tens of thousands of homes and jobs.

    To construct Phase One of the railway between London and the West Midlands, ourselves and our contractors expect to recruit for around 22,000 roles – many in West London and surrounding areas. There will also be an estimated 400,000 supply chain opportunities for businesses to work on the project. Alongside our contractors, we will work with the new Employment and Skills Hub to support the local workforce and local businesses to make the most of these opportunities.

    Community and Business Funds

    As construction of HS2 gets underway, applications for the funds are still being welcomed. The Funds for Phase One, independently administered by community charity Groundwork UK, support urban and rural, community, environmental and business projects. Our Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) give local communities and businesses disrupted by the construction of HS2 the opportunity to receive funding of up to £1 million for projects to improve their local area or support their local economy.

    For more information on Groundwork and the funds, including how to apply, visit https://hs2funds.org.uk/ .You can also watch our short videos which explain how to best demonstrate that your project meets the criteria for the Community, Environment or Business Funds.

    If you have any questions about the Community and Business Funds, HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .

    Posted on 2nd October 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Victoria Road Crossover Box sheet piling and station site ground investigations from October 2020

    We will carry out sheet piling works at the Victoria Crossover box site from 19 October until 18 December 2020. For more information, please see this notification .

    We are also carry out ground investigations at the Old Oak station site for about three weeks from 12 October. For more information, please see this notification .

    Posted on 30th September 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: Temporary extension of Old Oak Common Lane traffic management & surveys on Atlas Road. Ongoing site set up at Willesden Euroterminal and changes to manage Channel Gate Road

    Temporary footpath closure and extension of lane closure north along Old Oak Common Lane and surveys on Atlas Road

    From 5 October CSJV and Thames Water will be installing a water main from Old Oak Common Lane into the Old Oak Common HS2 station construction site. This will last for around four weeks. It will involve extending the existing lane closure up to the north of the site entrance.

    On the 1 and 2 October CSJV will undertake pavement surveys in Atlas Road to monitor two drainage maintenance holes.

    For more information about these works please read the notice here .

    Update: Ongoing site set up at Victoria Road construction sites and at Willesden Euroterminal (WET) and changes to manage Channel Gate Road

    SCS are finishing changing the hoarding boundary vegetation removal at Victoria Road sites tomorrow on Saturday 26 September .

    SCS are continuing maintenance on the current rail infrastructure within the WET site which will be extended to Saturday working from 26 September to 31 October .

    The postponed weekend work to install hoarding and gates at Channel Gate Road and Old Oak Lane will now take place on 3 and 4 October .

    For more information about these works please read the notice here .

    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.

    Posted on 25th September 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Sign up to one of our virtual drop-in slots

    After our previous announcement , residents can now sign up to a slot for the first virtual drop-in on 30 September between 4pm and 6pm.

    Residents can sign up for a 15 minute slot to talk about one of the two themes for the drop-in; either the setting up of the construction sites at Victoria Road, Willesden Euroterminal site or Atlas Road site, or the planned work at Wormwood Scrubs.

    For more information and to sign up, you can go to the Community Engagement section at www.HS2inOldOak.co.uk or sign up here .

    Posted on 17th September 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Join our Heritage Open Days archaeology webinars - then watch the past brought to life in major new BBC HS2 documentary

    September is an exciting time to learn about the mysteries of the past and how our ancestors lived as we host a series of fascinating online archaeology events as part of Heritage Open Days 2020. In addition, a major three-part documentary will be shown on BBC Two from Tuesday, September 15, exploring the discoveries found in Britain’s largest ever archaeological programme.

    Before construction work began, and any track is laid, over 1,000 archaeologists, across more than 60 sites between London and the West Midlands, have been carefully uncovering the secrets of Britain’s past. The BBC series, ' HS2 – The Biggest Dig ' will focus on two major cemetery excavations – one adjacent to London’s Euston station and the other in Park Street, next to Birmingham Curzon Street station – the sites of our two new terminals.

    For three years, our archaeologists have been giving TV documentary makers, Lion TV, exclusive access to archaeological sites being excavated as part of the project and the series is presented by anthropologist and anatomist Professor Alice Roberts and historian Dr Yasmin Khan.

    HS2 Archaeology webinar series, 11 - 19 September - sign-up now

    The BBC series is complemented throughout September with a number of online archaeology webinars to support Heritage Open Days 2020, highlighting some of the exciting finds uncovered along the route of the new railway.

    We're holding the following online events (click on the events below to register):

  • Uncovering Roman finds in Fleet Marston, Buckinghamshire: 11 Sept 13:30-14:30
  • Archaeology of the Colne Valley: 14 Sept 12:15-13:15
  • Archaeological finds at Park Street, Birmingham: 15 Sept 12:30-13:30
  • Uncovering Mercote Marsh and the Fosse Way, Warwickshire: 16 Sept 12:30-13:30
  • Uncovering Coleshill in Warwickshire: 17 Sept 12:30-13:30
  • An introduction to HS2 archaeology in Fradley to Crewe, Staffordshire: 18 Sept 13:15-14:00
  • HS2 archaeology conference: 19 Sept 11:00-14:55
  • You can find the full list of our online events at www.hs2.org.uk/events .

    We will be publishing video recordings of the session online, so if you are not able to listen live you can still learn about each topic through a dedicated playlist on the HS2 YouTube channel .

    HS2 - The Biggest Dig will be also be available on BBC iPlayer .

    For more information about HS2 please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 9th September 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: Extension to School Road closure; site office and welfare block delivery at station site; vegetation clearance at Victoria Road sites and changes to manage Channel Gate Road

    Update: School Road Closure extended to 3 September – Utilities diversion works

    Our contractors, CSJV, are continuing the utilities diversion works on School Road. During the excavation, unknown and unmarked services were discovered which need to be investigated to check if they are live assets. In order to complete the work safely CSJV are changing the methods of working. As a result, they require more time to complete the works.

    CSJV will be working two additional weekends works on Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 and Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August 2020 , to allow them to safely complete the utilities diversion on School Road. The working hours will be 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays .

    The current traffic management and parking bays suspension will remain in place, and access to businesses will be maintained. Please note pedestrians will be unaffected from these works.

    Further to the notification of 16 July, the previous notification of the utilities diversion works can be found in the following link. Please read the notice here .

    Notice of site office and welfare delivery at Old Oak Common station site week of 7 September

    During the week of 7 September, a two storey site office and welfare block will be delivered and fitted into place at the Old Oak Common station site. For more information about the delivery and setting up of the office, please read the notice here .

    Update: vegetation clearance and hoarding changes at Victoria Road sites

    Set up work continues at both the sites at Victoria Road, including vegetation clearance for around four weeks from late August. At the Crossover Box site the worksite hoarding will be moved to run alongside the Network Rail boundary line. For further information, you can read the notice here.

    Update: changes to manage Channel Gate Road

    Our contractors, SCS, will start work to install the pedestrian crossing at Goodhall Street and install a two metre high mesh fence along the road and around the green areas. Residents wishing to access the green areas will need to have an agreement in place with HS2.

    Over the weekend of 5 and 6 September they will install a small section of 2.4 metre wooden hoarding and gate at the junction with Old Oak Lane. For more information about this you can read the notice here .

    Posted on 21st August 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Milestone as HS2 station construction partner takes over Old Oak Common construction site

    The construction of our West London interchange station, set to be the UK’s largest newly-built railway station, has reached a new milestone.

    Station Construction Partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA joint venture (BBVS), took possession of the site, marking the start of the next phase of work at Old Oak Common, where a brand new 14 platform high-speed station will be built.

    Our Enabling Works Contractor, Costain Skanska JV, have been clearing the site for over two years, making it ready for the new station to be built. BBVS were appointed our construction partner for Old Oak Common in September 2019 and have worked closely with us on the programme of works. When operational, the station will be used by up to an estimated 250,000 passengers each day and is set to become one of the busiest in the UK. It will provide connections with rail services through eight conventional train platforms, served by the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), Heathrow Express and trains to Wales and the West of England.

    Initial works will include piling for the foundations of the new station, while the team will work closely with WSP, responsible for the design development of the station, on some striking features, such as a sequence of interlocking curved roof forms. These are designed to enhance the open environment of the station and provide natural ventilation, minimising the need for long-term energy consumption. In May 2020, the station received planning approval based on the designs submitted to the local planning authority, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

    Work has already begun to appoint subcontractor, including for piling and diaphragm wall construction, while the contract for ground reduction at the site has been awarded to specialist subcontractor McGee. A total of £350m of work will be available over the next two years and opportunities will be advertised on the CompeteFor web portal by BBVS and their subcontractors. BBVS will employ a workforce of approximately 1,400 to support the construction of Old Oak Common Station. As well as providing over 250 apprenticeship positions, the joint venture is committed to attracting local candidates, of all ages and backgrounds.

    The HS2 station will be a catalyst and gateway for Old Oak and Park Royal, one of the largest regeneration sites in the country. Plans to transform the area are being led by the OPDC and they project that the area around the new HS2 station will become a neighbourhood with the potential to create tens of thousands of homes and jobs.

    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 .

    Posted on 3rd August 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Station site handed to BBVS and update on utility works

    We are working closely with our construction partners to review the works on all our construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with Covid-19. The Government’s current Covid-19 strategy makes clear that construction activity can continue as long as it complies with this guidance, which you can see by clicking here .

    The below works are going ahead as our contractors are confident that they can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working.

    Station hand over to BBVS

    On 27 July our Old Oak Common Station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS) joint venture will take full possession of the site from our enabling contractor, CSJV. for more information, please read the notice that has been delivered locally here .

    Utility works update

    Further to our notification of 3 July, CSJV will be continuing the existing utility diversion works along Victoria Road, Bethune Road, School Road, Chase Road and St Leonards. Phase one of the lane closure on Victoria Road is currently underway and will complete on 28 October 2020.

    For more information, please read the notice here .

    Posted on 16th July 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: Works on Old Oak Common Lane, Victoria Road and Wells House Road

    Old Oak Common Lane

    Further to our notification of 17 April, work is continuing at our Old Oak Common station site.

    On Saturday 4 July 2020 British Telecom (BT) will be replacing some maintenance hole covers in our site entrance, which will require a footpath diversion whilst carrying out the works, on Old Oak Common Lane.

    A copy of the notification to be delivered to the community can be found here.

    Victoria Road Utilities Works

    Further to our notification of 14 March, we will be carrying out utility works on Victoria Road commencing on Monday 6 July. A copy of the notice delivered to residents and businesses can be found here.

    Wells House Road

    We be will replacing the heras fence previously installed at the top of the staircase adjacent to Wells House Road with a timber hoarding commencing on Wednesday 15 July. A copy of the notice to be delivered to residents can be found here.

    Posted on 3rd July 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Join our online event on 25 June to find out about our Community & Business Funds and local business opportunities

    Communities and businesses located near to Britain’s new railway are invited to a webinar on Thursday 25 June at 13:00 to find out more about the funding schemes and local business opportunities available.

    Up and down the line of route, over 100 projects have already received funding through the HS2 community and business funds, while over 1,000 local businesses are already working on the project, providing goods and services to help build Britain’s new railway. 

    If your business or community is  near to the line of route between the West Midland and London  and you want to find out more about the funding programme and local business opportunities available through HS2, please sign up to our event below. 

    Find out more and sign up here to attend

    We will be publishing video recordings of each webinar online, so if you are not able to listen live you can still learn about the funding and business opportunities available through on our HS2 YouTube channel.

    You can find out more information about the HS2 Community Funds here  and  local business opportunities here .For more information about this event or any of our forthcoming events please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on  08081 434 434  or email  hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .

    Posted on 16th June 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: Vegetation clearance along the Grand Union Canal starting 9 June 2020

    Further to our update of 27 February which can be found here the carrying out of vegetation clearance along two sections of the Grand Union Canal was postponed from 11 March. The work will now commence on Tuesday 9 June. A copy of the notice delivered to residents can be found here .

    Posted on 8th June 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Scout groups from West London and Buckinghamshire are set to benefit as Greater London Middlesex West Scouts are awarded £217,372 from HS2's Community Funds

    The funds will be used to make improvements to the Paccar County Campsite in Chalfont St Peter which is open to all organised youth groups and serves 45,000 young people from across Buckinghamshire and West London each year. The improvements will include a new state-of-the-art climbing facility to suit a wide range of abilities, replacing the existing dilapidated climbing wall at the campsite. This comes at an exciting time as climbing will be a new sport in the now postponed Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. An artificial caving complex will also be built under the wall which will be used to provide a realistic, challenging and safe experience of caving for young people who use the campsite. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2021.

    The funding has come from the HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF), part of a combined total of £40million in funding available to local communities and businesses that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of Britain’s new high speed railway between London and the West Midlands. The project will join the other 113 projects along the route that have also benefitted.

    A series of videos and case studies about projects that have received HS2 funds can be found here.

    The independent administration of these funds is managed on behalf of HS2 Ltd by the charity Groundwork who will ensure both funds remain available for applications throughout the construction of Phase One. Read the Groundwork annual review.

    Community and business groups interested in applying for the fund can find out more at www.hs2funds.org.uk

    Posted on 1st June 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    One week left to cast your vote to help us name the first two HS2 Tunnel Boring Machines

    Pupils at Meadow High School in Hillingdon have suggested a name for one of the first of 10 giant tunnel boring machines (TBMs) which has been shortlisted for a national vote launched by HS2 Ltd. The TBMs will excavate more than 35 miles of tunnel on the first phase the UK’s new high speed railway between London and the West Midlands.

    The public is being invited to go to https://www.hs2.org.uk/tbmvoting/ and vote for their favourite name, from a shortlist of three chosen by local school children and inspired by female scientific and medical pioneers.

    The names are:

  • Cecilia – named after Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, the Astronomer and Astrophysicist born in Buckinghamshire who became Chair of Astronomy at Harvard University in the United States. Suggested by students at Chalfont Community College in Buckinghamshire.
  • Florence – named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who spent many years in Claydon, Buckinghamshire where she wrote numerous books on nursing. Suggested by students at The Meadow High School in Hillingdon.
  • Marie – named after Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the first person and the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice. Suggested by students at Maple Cross JMI and Nursery in Hertfordshire.
  • The name with the most votes will be given to the first TBM, due to be launched from a site close to the M25 early next year. The enormous, 2,000 tonne, 170m long machine will be one of two that will dig the 10 mile long Chiltern tunnels.

    The second machine, due to be launched a month later, will be given the second most popular name in the public vote.

    The TBMs will be operated by HS2’s main works contractor, Align JV – a joint venture formed of three companies: Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick.

    The machines are being built by Herrenknecht in Germany. Their names are being chosen now so they can be fixed to machines during their manufacture, ready for when they emerge out of the factory.

    After completion the first two machines will be disassembled before beginning their long journey to England. Once they have arrived on site, each TBM will be reassembled, ready to begin their life underground.

    Together the TBMs will spend around three years digging what will be the longest and deepest tunnels on the project, stretching from just inside the M25, to South Heath in Buckinghamshire.

    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 .

    Posted on 29th May 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Ongoing works at Atlas Road, Victoria Road and Willesden Euroterminal sites

    We are working closely with our construction partners to review the works on all our construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with Covid-19. The Government’s current Covid-19 strategy makes clear that construction activity can continue as long as it complies with this guidance, which you can see by clicking here .

    The below works are going ahead as our contractors are confident that they can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working.

    Ongoing works at Atlas Road, Victoria Road and Willesden Euroterminal sites

    Work continues through June setting up the three sites consisting of a variety of different things such as concrete removal, vegetation clearance, ground investigations and more. You can find out more of what is happening at each site here .

    Along with these set up works, monitoring equipment will be installed on sections of the existing railway near our Atlas Road site. The monitors will be fitted over three different weekends. More information can be found here.

    Posted on 27th May 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Old Oak Common HS2 station gains planning approval and is set to be the largest newly built railway station in the UK

    The planning application for the west-London super hub, Old Oak Common Station, was approved by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) on 19 May. The green light means that work can progress on building what will be the largest new railway station ever built in the UK. The station will have 14 platforms, a mix of six high speed and eight conventional service platforms, with a 850m long station box, with a volume to fit 6,300 Routemaster buses.

    The HS2 Old Oak Common station will incorporate some striking design features, such as an impressive sequence of interlocking curved roof forms which has been designed to enhance the open environment of the station and provide natural ventilation minimising the need for long term energy consumption. The arch forms also reduce the need for columns to support the roof and provide clear sight lines, allowing views across the station to help visitors orientate themselves. The station design development has been led by engineering professional services consultancy WSP with architectural support from WilkinsonEyre.

    When operational, the station will be used by up to an estimated 250,000 passengers each day and is set to become one of the busiest railway stations in the country. It will provide seamless connectivity with conventional rail services through eight conventional train platforms, to be served by the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), Heathrow Express and trains to Wales and the West of England. The station design has a sufficiently sized concourse and platform space to accommodate passenger growth to 2041 and beyond, provision of a dedicated bus and taxi facility, dedicated drop-off and pickup areas, pedestrian and cycle links, and upgraded highway infrastructure comprising a new traffic signalised junction.

    New public spaces are also being created as part of the design including a new public square directly outside the station. It will include seating and cycle parking and could also be used as a setting for public artwork.

    The station will be a catalyst and gateway for Old Oak and Park Royal, one of the largest regeneration sites in the UK. Plans to transform the wider area around the station, a former railway and industrial site, are being led by the OPDC and they project that the area around the new HS2 station will become a neighbourhood with the potential to create tens of thousands of homes and jobs.

    You can take look at new CGI images of the station here .

    If you have a question about the Old Oak Common Station, the HS2 project more widely or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    Posted on 22nd May 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Old Oak Common station construction partner news and sheet piling from 2 June at the depot site

    We are working closely with our construction partners to review the works on all our construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with Covid-19. The Government’s current Covid-19 strategy makes clear that construction activity can continue as long as it complies with this guidance, which you can see by clicking here .

    The below works are going ahead as our contractors are confident that they can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working.

    Old Oak Common station construction partner starts on site

    From Tuesday 2 June 2020 our Old Oak Common Station Construction Partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS) Joint Venture will begin to take possession of the site.

    Work will include topographical surveys, utility surveys, earthworks and site establishment activity. Further details of these works have been sent to residents and can be found here .

    Sheet piling at Old Oak Common depot site

    As part of the continued preparation work at the Old Oak Common station site, sheet piling will take place from 2 June. Sheet piling is when a machine presses steel sheets into the ground rather than hammering them in. More information about this work can be found here .

    Posted on 18th May 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Ten London projects share over £670,000 as the total number of projects supported by HS2 along the route of the new railway reaches 100

    The number of community and business groups to receive awards from the HS2 community and business funds has topped over 100 with London receiving ten awards to date totalling £670,374. The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and the Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) for Phase One, between London and the West Midlands, make a combined total of £40 million available to local communities and businesses disrupted by the construction of HS2.

    Amongst London's ten awarded projects is the Greengage project run by the Castlehaven Community Association, a charity based in Camden. They received £74,000 and have transformed part of a local park, creating a community garden, used by children and residents in the local area, which includes bug hotels and bird boxes. The changes have also seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area by improving walkways and lighting in the area.

    A map of all awarded projects is available here . Some of the awards in London include:

  • £74,708 for ‘Creating futures through Bubble and Squeak’, a project run by Bubblesqueakeat CIC providing healthy and affordable food for the community in Hammersmith
  • £74,804 for ‘Healthtrain’, a health and wellbeing project being run by the West Euston Partnership
  • £74,235 for ‘Developing skills for employment’, a three year vocational skills training programme in Camden, run by Training Link
  • £66,047 for the ‘Enhancing the River Pinn’ project run by Thames21
  • £75,000 for the Euston Well-being Team project providing community outreach around Euston, run by the London Borough of Camden
  • £73,581 for the Castlehaven Community Association project Greengauge, creating a community greenspace in the heart of Camden
  • As we work through the COVID-19 pandemic, the approval for the next stage of the project has meant that our contractors now have the go ahead to start building the new railway whilst remaining within the Public Health England (PHE) and industry guidelines. As part of our commitment to being a good neighbour, we realise that communities are affected by the construction of HS2, and the community and business funds are key to help offset the disruption caused.

    As construction of HS2 gets underway, applications for the funds are still being welcomed. The Funds for Phase One, administered by community charity Groundwork UK, support urban and rural, community, environmental and business projects. Community and Business groups along the HS2 route between London and the West Midlands have been able to apply for funds since March 2017. 

    A series of videos and case studies about projects that have received HS2 funds can be found here.

    The independent administration of these funds is managed on behalf of HS2 Ltd by the charity Groundwork who will ensure both funds remain available for applications throughout the construction of Phase One. Read the Groundwork annual review.

    Community and business groups interested in applying for the fund can find out more at www.hs2funds.org.uk

    Posted on 28th April 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update: Restart of works at Atlas Road, Victoria Road and Willesden Euroterminal sites from Monday 27 April

    HS2 takes seriously its role in being a good neighbour every single day. The health, safety and wellbeing of the communities along the route of the new railway, and our staff, remains our top priority.

    We are continuing to work closely with our construction partners to review the works on our construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with COVID-19. The Government’s current COVID-19 strategy makes clear that construction activity should continue as long as it complies with this guidance.

    The works detailed are going ahead as our contractors are confident that they can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working.

    From Monday 27 April we will restart work at the Atlas Road, Victoria Road and Willesden Euroterminal sites. Details of the works are shown below:

    Atlas Road Site

    From Monday 27 April and during May, we will be carrying out the following works:

    · Removal of concrete slabs from previous buildings

    · Crushing of concrete slab materials

    · Vegetation clearance

    · Ground investigations

    Works to remove the concrete slabs will take up to six weeks. Noise and dust mitigation will be used to reduce disruption to local residents.

    Victoria Road sites

    From Monday 27 April and during May, the following works are planned at the Victoria Road Crossover Box site:

    • Excavation of ground materials

    • Testing and removal of excavated materials

    • Installing temporary platforms for piling equipment

    • Vegetation clearance

    We will continue to receive delivery of materials to the Victoria Road Tunnel Drive site, and will move the materials across the road to the Victoria Road Crossover Box site when required.

    Willesden Euroterminal site

    From Monday 27 April and during May, we will be carrying out the following works at this site:

    • Concrete pours

    • Work to strengthen hoardings

    • Ground investigations

    • Vegetation clearance

    • Removal of concrete slab from old sub-station

    Trial holes on Victoria Road

    Further to our previous notification in March we will be carrying out utility investigations on Victoria Road from Monday 4 May for two weeks. The work will involve digging temporary trenches to confirm the location and depth of utilities under the road surface. The trenches will inform the route design of the electricity cables that will supply the power for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The TBM will create the tunnels for the HS2 trains.

    A single lane with traffic management will be in place during these works and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout. We will erect screening with acoustic panels to help reduce noise. There will be no disruption to utility services because of these works.

    Posted on 24th April 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update on HS2 construction works in Old Oak during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

    HS2 takes seriously its role in being a good neighbour every single day. The health, safety and wellbeing of the communities along the route of the new railway, and our staff, remains our top priority.

    We are continuing to work closely with our construction partners to review the works on our construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with COVID-19. The Government’s current COVID-19 strategy makes clear that construction activity should continue as long as it complies with this guidance.

    The below works are going ahead as our contractors are confident that they can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working.

    Old Oak Common Station site

    On the 27th March our contractor, CSJV, paused works to ensure they were compliant with government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with COVID-19. Since then they have on developed plans and implemented protocols to resume works that they are confident can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working. This process is now complete and we are now restarting the below works from this week:

    • Excavations and relocation of soil within the site

    • Removal of concrete foot paths

    • Construction of concrete roads

    • Compaction of excavated ground

    • Removal of material from site

    • High Speed Train shed/Long Standing shed foundation removal and crushing

    • Crushing of concrete foundations in the central area of site

    Works at Willesden Euroterminal, Atlas Road and Victoria Road sites have been temporarily paused. However a security presence remains on all sites and the worksites remain under constant review for the resumption of works within PHE and construction industry guidelines.

    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 .

    Posted on 17th April 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 issues Notice to Proceed

    On 15 April 2020, the Department for Transport gave approval for HS2 Ltd to issue Notice to Proceed to our four Main Works Civils Contractors (MWCC) working on Phase One of the project.

    The issuing of Notice to Proceed marks the point in the MWCC contracts where work transitions from scheme design and preparatory work, to full detailed design and construction of the railway between London and the West Midlands.

    You can find further information on both gov.uk and the HS2 website .

    The four contractors along the phase one route – SCS Railways, Align JV, EKFB JV and BBV JV – will start the second stage of their contracts immediately, progressing detailed design, site preparation works and placing important sub-contracts. During this period, our contractors are continuously reviewing their ability to work within Public Health England guidelines to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce and the communities in which we are working.

    We understand that some local communities are concerned about the impact of construction and we remain committed to being a good neighbour to anyone affected by our work.

    You can find out Information about HS2 construction works during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic here.

    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 .

    Posted on 16th April 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Information about HS2 Ltd during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

    The health, safety and wellbeing of the communities along the route of the new railway, and our staff, remains our absolute priority.

    Construction sites

    We are working closely with our construction partners to review the works on our construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with COVID-19. The Government’s current COVID-19 strategy makes clear that construction activity can continue as long as it complies with this guidance.

    Work at the majority of our sites has been paused as we complete this review, noting that some staff may be present to make the safety assessments and to ensure the sites remain safe and secure.

    We do expect that work will restart at some of these sites where our contractors are confident that they can operate in line with PHE and industry guidance, protecting our staff and the communities in which they are working.

    Community engagement

    We have taken the decision to postpone all face-to-face engagement events and meetings during this period. We have been notifying local residents and putting in place alternative ways of communicating and engaging with communities over the coming weeks and months.

    HS2 Helpdesk

    The HS2 Helpdesk remains operational all day, every day, and will be the public’s first point of contact should they need advice or information from HS2. You can contact the Helpdesk:

  • On Freephone 08081 434 434
  • By Minicom on 08081 456 472
  • Or by Email:  HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
  • If you contact us by post there will be an extended delay in us receiving and responding due to the current circumstances.

    Posted on 27th March 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Interactive safety workshops available to primary schools in your area

    We’re inviting primary schools close to the HS2 line of route to sign up for a free safety workshop that teaches children about the importance of staying safe around construction sites. Safety is one of our core values and we’re working with Arc Theatre to deliver Playing it Safe , an interactive workshop.

    Playing it Safe has visited over 5,000 pupils so far since its launch in 2018 to teach them about the dangers present on construction sites and the surrounding areas, as well as the consequences of trespassing on those sites.The workshop is available to Years 5 and 6 with audiences of between 30 and 90 pupils, with each session lasting between 60-75 minutes. Arc Theatre can deliver up to two sessions in one school per day. The workshop is completely free of charge, but limited and offered to schools closest to the route. If you would like your local school to take part in this workshop please ask them to contact Nita@arctheatre.com or call 020 8595 8509.

    For more information about our safety programme or the wider HS2 project you can contact our HS2 Helpdesk team team all day, every day on:

  • Freephone 08081 434 434
  • Minicom 08081 456 472
  • Email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
  • Posted on 10th March 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 works notification: New signage on Old Oak Common Lane from 9 March and update to vegetation maintenance within the Victoria Road site from 2 March to 4 March 2020

    New signage on Old Oak Common Lane

    New signage will be placed on our hoardings and one lamp post on Old Oak Common Lane from 9 March 2020, a copy of the notification to be issued to residents can be found here .

    Update: Vegetation maintenance at the Victoria Road site

    Further to our notification of 10 January 2020 the proposed vegetation maintenance was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. This work will now commence on Monday 2 March. A copy of the original notification to residents can be found here .

    Posted on 25th February 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 works notification: Works overview starting 22 February and Drainage surveys on Victoria Road starting 9 March

    Weekly overview

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak Common area for the forthcoming week can be found here .

    Drainage surveys on Victoria Road

    We will be commencing CCTV drainage surveys on Victoria Road from Monday 9 March for three days. A copy of the notice to be delivered to residents can be found here .

    Posted on 21st February 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 works notification: Works overview starting 15 February and Update on plans for Channel Gate Road

    Weekly overview

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak Common area for the forthcoming week can be found here.

    Update: Summary of plans to manage Channel Gate Road

    Following a resident meeting on 10 February, HS2 would like to circulate information about our proposed changes to manage Channel Gate Road. There is opportunity for residents to provide feedback on some parts of the proposed changes.

    A copy of the presentation to residents can be found here .

    A copy of the letter being sent to local residents can be found here

    A copy of the feedback form can be found here

    Residents are encouraged to provide feedback to our contractor SCSJV by 6 March 2020. Details about how to return your feedback are included in the above letter and feedback form.

    Posted on 14th February 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Design Engagement: Common Design Elements feedback survey closing soon

    We would like to invite your feedback on the design of HS2’s Common Design Elements planned for the Phase One route between the West Midlands and London.

    Further to our post on the 2nd January, there's now just four days left to have your say. You can view the plans on the HS2 website and download an information booklet , before completing our quick online survey . The survey closes at 11pm on Thursday 30 January .

    Common Design Elements are parts of the railway with a standardised appearance which will give it a recognisable look and make it more efficient to build. They include frequently used structures, such as bridge piers and parapets, as well as lineside noise barriers.

    Since Parliament approved plans for the Phase One route in 2017, we've been developing the design of the new railway and now we need your views to help inform how we progress with the Common Design Elements.

    If you have any questions about our Common Design Elements or HS2, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on  08081 434 434  or email  hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .

    Posted on 27th January 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works overview commencing 25 January and your next drop in sessions

    Works overview

    The overview detailing our works in the Old Oak Common area for the forthcoming week can be found here .

    Your drop in session

    If you would like to find out more about the project or have any questions about it, your local Community Engagement Manager, and our contractors, will be available for you to drop-in and speak to.

    The next drop in will be held on:

  • Monday 3 February from 2pm - 5pm at The Old Oak Community Centre, 76 Braybrook Street, White City, London W12 0AP
  • Wednesday 19th February from 4pm - 7pm at The Collective, Nash House, Old Oak Lane, London NW10 6FF
  • Posted on 24th January 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Work notification: Update on drainage and utility surveys along Old Oak Common Lane, Wells House Road, Park Royal Road and Scrubs Lane.

    Update: Old Oak Common Land and Wells House Road

    Further to our work in June 2019, we will be carrying out additional surveys to a new section of the drains on Wells House Road and Old Oak Common Lane from Monday 27 January 2020. A copy of the notice delivered to residents can be found here .

    Update: Park Royal Road and Scrubs Lane

    Further to our notice published on 11 October 2019 , we are continuing survey works on Park Royal Road and Scrubs Lane.

    Park Royal Road

    The final stage of ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys is planned for the week commencing 13 January, for up to five days. These will be carried out overnight and traffic management will be in place.

    Scrubs Lane

    The GPR surveys on Scrubs Lane is due to be completed by the end of February.

    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 .

    Posted on 14th January 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Vegetation maintenance within the Victoria Road site from 27 January to 31 January 2020 and Drop In session 15 January 2020

    Vegetation Maintenance

    We will be removing some trees and vegetation within our Victoria Road site between 27 and 31 January 2020. This work will require a temporary footpath closure on Victoria Road and a temporary lane closure and parking bay suspensions on Chase Road. A notice delivered to residents and businesses can be found here .

    Drop In session

    We continue our regular drop in sessions on Wednesday 15th January from 4pm - 7pm at The Collective, Nash House, Old Oak Lane, London NW10 6FF. This session we will be discussing lorry routes to and from our sites in Victoria Road, Atlas Road Willesden Euroterminal. A copy of the invite delivered to residents and businesses can be found here .

    Posted on 10th January 2020

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Old Oak and Ealing's first HS2 Community and Environment Fund award goes to community run food surplus store

    Bubblesqueak CIC’s have received £74,700 in funding for their 'Creating Futures through Bubble & Squeak’ project which is committed to providing the local community with healthy, affordable food, while building skills and confidence.

    Twice weekly, children and adult volunteers will run a surplus food stall where the local community can buy healthy fresh produce at a very low cost. Children and volunteers will learn enterprise, healthy lifestyle and money management skills, while after school and weekend activities will include a STEM Club, healthy meals and art sessions with local artists to create public art pieces. During the weekend the CIC will work with Foodcycle, a volunteer led organisation who cook a free 3 course meal for local residents. This is a chance for the community to come together to socialise and share a meal. To make this an intergenerational event the organisation will deliver sessions that run in tandem with the meals, such as intergenerational bingo, children and adults planting in the community garden or an arts and craft activity.

    The community and business funds are administered and managed by independent community charity, Groundwork UK. For more information on Groundwork and the funds, including how to apply, click here .

    You can also watch our short videos which explain how to best demonstrate that your project meets the application criteria for the Community, Environment or Business Funds.

    If you have any questions about the Community and Business Funds, HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk .

    Posted on 20th December 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Temporary traffic lights on Old Oak Common Lane from Wednesday 23 October to November, Atlas Road utility works from 4 November and Works Overview week starting 19 October

    Temporary traffic lights on Old Oak Common Lane

    We will be installing concrete blocks in front of a section of the retaining wall between the southern end and the pedestrian stairway on Old Oak Common Lane to reinforce the wall. In addition, we’ll be doing works to the stairway which will remain closed. A copy of the notification delivered to residents can be found here .

    Please note that since we delivered these notices to residents the start date for this work has moved to Wednesday 23 October .

    Atlas Road Utility Investigations

    Please note that the Atlas Road utility investigations work start date has now moved to 4 November 2019 . A copy of the notice issued to residents can be found here .

    Weekly site update

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak Common area for the forthcoming week can be found here.

    Posted on 18th October 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Change to frequency of drop in sessions at The Collective

    From September, our community drop-in sessions at The Collective will reoccur every fortnight instead of running every week as they currently do. This will begin from Wednesday 4 September.

    You can come along to our drop-in sessions at The Collective, Nash House, Old Oak Lane, London, NW10 6FF, at the following times to speak with us and our contractors about what we're doing in your area:

  • 11am - 3pm on the first Wednesday of each month
  • 3pm - 7pm on the third Wednesday of each month
  • If you want to find out more please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team.

    Posted on 2nd September 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Works Notification: Update on works at Old Oak Common Station Site from 26 August 2019

    Update on works within the Old Oak Common Station Site

    Preparatory works are ongoing within our station site. We would like to update you on the works we previously notified you about here . To complete the next phase of our works as quickly as possible, we have extended our core hours until 8 pm starting on the 26 August. The work is inside the shed and will consist of drilling several core monitoring holes. The monitors will provide the team with information that will aid the demolition of the building later in the year.

    For more information please see the notice being sent to residents by clicking here.

    Posted on 16th August 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    You can contact the HS2 Helpdesk team to help with any enquiry you have

    You can contact our HS2 Helpdesk team all day, every day of the year on:

    Freephone:
    08081 434 434Minicom: 08081 456 472Email: hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

    How we can help

    Our team is here to listen and help with any enquiry, complaint or feedback you may have. Our Helpdesk team will try to answer your questions in the first instance. If we need to talk to other people in the company to provide a full response, we’ll make sure we investigate your query with the relevant people at HS2 Ltd and respond at a later time.

    If you would like to see our complaints procedure or you’re not satisfied with how your case is being dealt with, further information can be found here .

    You can also contact our Helpdesk if you think you have a damage claim related to HS2.

    Posted on 5th August 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works Overview - week commencing 3 August 2019

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak area for the forthcoming week can be found here.

    Our local community drop-in sessions continue. You can come and meet your local Engagement Manager and our contractors. The dates for July and August can be found here.

    Posted on 2nd August 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Utility investigations at the Atlas Road/Old Oak Lane roundabout and Old Oak weekly update

    We are continuing the next phase of utility investigations along the Atlas Road/Old Oak Lane roundabout. Work is scheduled to commence on Monday 12 August 2019 for approximately 8 weeks. A copy of the notification can be found here .

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak area for the forthcoming week can be found here .

    Our local community drop-in sessions continue. You can come and meet your local Engagement Manager and our contractors. The dates for July and August can be found here .

    Posted on 19th July 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works overview - week commencing 13 July 2019

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak area for the forthcoming week can be found here.

    Our local community drop-in sessions continue. You can come and meet your local Engagement Manager and our contractors. The dates for July and August can be found here .

    Posted on 12th July 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works overview - week commencing 6 July 2019

    The weekly overview detailing our works in the Old Oak area for the forthcoming week can be found here .

    Our local community drop-in sessions continue. You can come and meet your local Engagement Manager and our contractors. The dates for July and August can be found here .

    Posted on 5th July 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Works overview, demolition of the former GWR (HST) Welfare building and drop-in dates for July and August

    We have developed a weekly Works Overview detailing works in the Old Oak area for the forthcoming week. The Overview can be found here .

    We are continuing our work at the Old Oak Station site. The former GWR (HST) Welfare building is currently being prepared for demolition and will commence on 8 July 2019 for approximately 6 weeks. A copy of the updated notice being sent to residents can be found here .

    Our local community drop in sessions continue. You can come and meet your local Engagement Manager and our contractors. The dates for July and August can be found here .

    Posted on 28th June 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    HS2 Community and Business Funds reach £3.5m mark

  • Communities and businesses along Phase One of the HS2 route have received a £3.5m total cash injection.
  • 62 projects have been funded since the programme launched in 2017.
  • Community groups and business support organisations are encouraged to apply for funding for their local projects.
  • The latest cohort of projects to receive funding from the HS2 Community and Business Funds have been announced today, taking the total award value from the Funds to £3.5m to organisations along Phase One of the HS2 route.

    HS2’s Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) has so far seen 62 projects from across the country receive funding awards. This government-backed funding programme was created to add benefit to communities and support local businesses affected by Phase One of HS2 above compensation and mitigation.

    The Funds are being managed independently by Groundwork UK, a community charity that works to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

    The latest cohort of funded CEF and BLEF projects includes:

  • Kenilworth Town Council which has just received £74,000 of BLEF funding for their ‘Kenilworth Open for Business’ project to promote the local area and support local businesses during HS2 construction.
  • In Staffordshire, Whittington and Fisherwick Parish Council was successful in receiving close to £10,000 for to refurbish the BMX Track for their community and to provide an outdoor space for local young people.
  • In Buckinghamshire, Ballinger Waggoners Cricket Club has received close to £5,000 of CEF funding to recruit a female coach for the Women’s and Girls team to enable the team to continue to expand and improve. £75,000 of CEF funding has also been awarded to Road Farm Countryways CIC, a Care Farming Community Interest Company that provides opportunities for young adults with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, to refurbish their buildings on the site for the young adults to use, including creating a new workshop and training facility.
  • London Borough of Camden Council which is investing £75,000 of CEF Local funding into an outreach project to engage and create ‘The Euston Well-Being Team’ to support the local street population and help to reduce local crime and antisocial behaviour that is currently being experienced in the area.
  • Community groups and business support organisations are being encouraged to apply to the Funds for projects that have a demonstrable positive impact on their local community.

    A combined total of £40 million has been made available for both the CEF and BLEF projects for Phase One of the construction of HS2. The Funds will provide support for good quality bids and funding will be available throughout this time period. CEF and BLEF have supported 62 projects since March 2017 from small scale grassroots projects to large scale capital projects which benefit a wide range of communities.

    For more information on Groundwork and the funds themselves click here .

    You can also see an interactive map showing all of the projects awarded funding so far by clicking here .

    Posted on 31st May 2019

    by HS2

    Local Area Engagement Plan: Old Oak

    Our Community Engagement Strategy outlines all the ways that we’ll engage with people and communities that are affected along the route.

    We’ve written the Old Oak Local Area Engagement Plan to explain how we’ll deliver our Strategy in your area. It sets out how we‘ll engage with communities in Old Oak to ensure that we meet our commitments and continue to be a good neighbour. This is particularly important in 2019 as we begin our main construction work.

    This plan:

  • introduces you to your local Community Engagement team and partners working on our behalf;
  • provides maps showing where our key works are in your area;
  • informs you about the different ways you can contact us; and
  • explains how we’ll measure how well we’re doing against our 10 Community Commitments.
  • Posted on 21st May 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Celebrating a year of 'Playing it Safe' safety workshops for Phase One Primary schools

    We recognise that there are many schools in close proximity to our planned works and it is important for us to ensure that children understand the dangers that construction sites can pose. We have a duty to engage directly with local schools to communicate and reinforce the importance of staying safe when living and playing near construction sites.

    We appointed Arc Theatre to deliver Playing it Safe , an interactive health and safety workshop designed for primary schools along the Phase One route of HS2. The workshop uses drama to communicate the dangers present on construction sites and the surrounding areas, as well as the consequences of trespassing on those sites.

    Playing it Safe has now taken place at more than 50 schools, teaching over 4000 pupils how to stay safe when living near construction sites.

    The workshop is available to Years 5 and 6 with audiences of between 30 and 90 pupils, with each session lasting between 60-75 minutes. Arc can deliver up to two sessions in one school per day.

    The workshop is completely free of charge, but limited and offered to schools closest to the route. If you would like your local primary school to take part in this workshop please ask them to contact Nita@arctheatre.com or call 020 8595 8509 .

    Posted on 29th March 2019

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Safety workshops for Phase One Primary Schools

    Health and safety is a top priority for the successful delivery of HS2 Ltd.

    We recognise that there are many schools in close proximity to our planned works and it is important for us to ensure that children understand the dangers that construction sites can pose. We have a duty to engage directly with local schools to communicate and reinforce the importance of staying safe when living and playing near construction sites.

    We have appointed Arc Theatre to deliver Playing it Safe, an interactive health and safety workshop designed for primary schools along the Phase One route of HS2. The workshop uses drama to communicate the dangers present on construction sites and the surrounding areas, as well as the consequences of trespassing on those sites.

    The workshop is available to Years 5 and 6 with audiences of between 30 and 90 pupils, with each session lasting between 60-75 minutes. Arc can deliver up to two sessions in one school per day.

    The workshop is completely free of charge, but limited and offered to schools closest to the route. If you would like your local school to take part in this workshop please ask them to contact Nita@arctheatre.com or call 020 8595 8509 .

    Posted on 11th June 2018

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update on Trial Hole Investigations and Improvement Scheme Surveys - Victoria Road and School Road

    What are we doing?

    We are continuing our trial hole investigations programme along Victoria Road and School Road which will require traffic management.

    Additionally, surveys of Victoria Road are due to take place to support the upcoming improvement scheme on Victoria Road.

    Trial Hole Investigations

    In order to safely carry out the trial hole investigation works that are scheduled to take place on Victoria Road and School Road there will be a requirement to install temporary traffic management.

    Investigation will be undertaken across the entire width of each road, however, work will only take place on one lane at a time to ensure that traffic flow is maintained throughout the process.

    School Road: from 25 April 18 to 09 May 18; a single lane closure will take place first on the northern section of carriageway, followed by a single lane closure on the southern section. To support this, a small amount of parking bays (6-8 in total) will be suspended to allow the works to be carried out in a safe manner.

    Victoria Road: from 10 May 18 to 22 May 18; a single northbound lane closure will take place on Victoria Road, outside of the Europa Studios. This will be followed by a single southbound lane closure, outside of Europa Studios.

    During both trial holes investigations, we will maintain a single line of traffic on each road.

    Duration of working hours

  • Day time working hours: 8am to 6pm
  • Our contractors may also be on site for one hour’s start-up and shutdown
  • What to expect from the utility investigations

  • The site will be securely fenced
  • We will erect acoustic panels to reduce noise as much as possible
  • Our contractors will only use approved traffic routes
  • Traffic management (signs, traffic control lights) will be in place as appropriate
  • Improvement Scheme Surveys

    We plan to carry out an improvement scheme of the cycle path along Victoria Road during 2019. To ensure we employ the appropriate methods for improvement, we will need to undertake surveys along the entire length of the road. To complete these investigations, there will be a requirement for a full road closure of Victoria Road, with a duration of 3 nights .

    The surveys are due to take place during the week commencing 14th May 18 for 3 nights ; between the 22:00pm to 05:00am . The road will be open to public use as normal during daylight hours. Access for residents will be maintained.

    We recognise that construction work can be disruptive to those living or working nearby. The nature of our work often means some disturbance is unavoidable, but please be assured that every effort is made to minimise any unnecessary noise and we have reminded all staff and contractors to be considerate of the environment they are working in.

    Click here to see the attached update that has been delivered to local residents

    Posted on 3rd May 2018

    by HS2 in Old Oak

    Update on the Old Oak Common Depot site and hoarding installation

    On 23 March 2018, HS2 undertook the first stage of possession of the Old Oak Common GWR depot site from Network Rail. The site will continue operating as a railway depot until HS2 gains possession of more of the site throughout the year. Eventually this site will be the location of the Old Oak Common Station.

    To learn more about HS2's construction sites in the Old Oak area and a timeline of upcoming activities see the Find out more section.

    Safety and security are a priority for HS2 and the first thing that residents will see happening on the depot site are improvements to the existing palisade fence on Old Oak Common Lane and the start of installation of a permeant timber hoarding from week commencing 9 April 2018.

    Please see the attached update notice that has been delivered to nearby residents and contains a map of the area now accessible to HS2 and contractors and further details on process of installing the hoarding on Old Oak Common Lane.

    Posted on 27th March 2018

    by Hs2 in Old oak