Major HS2 plans set for approval

Major plans to create “characterful” public spaces around the new HS2 station in Birmingham city centre have been recommended for approval.

HS2 Ltd recently unveiled several images of what the areas around Curzon Street Station could look like as the terminus in the heart of Brum continues to take shape.

Proposals for a revised scheme for the ‘public realm and connectivity’ in
and around the new station are now set to be considered by council planners next week.

A recently-published report says the plans seek to establish a series of “distinct character areas”, including:

Station Square, the main arrival space which would include natural stone paving materials, lighting, furniture, soft landscape gardens and terraces.

Curzon Promenade, located to the north of the western concourse and to the north of Station Square. Has been designed as a “green‑infrastructure link with a parkland character”.

Curzon Square and New Canal Street Square, these two spaces would merge together to form a large-scale, hard paved city square.

Old Curzon Street Square Gardens, a garden square proposed to the east of the Grade I listed Old Curzon Street Station.

Paternoster Place, a “key public space” at the gateway to Digbeth and is intended to create a high‑quality main entrance area.

The council officer’s report also said the plans consolidate two previously approved public realm schemes, both granted consent in 2020.

“Since the original approvals were secured, a number of refinements and updates have been made to the urban realm design,” it said.

“These reflect the ongoing evolution of the station and its surroundings, informed by continued discussions with Birmingham City Council officers to enhance the layout, character areas, and overall usability of the space for all station users.

“A key driver for the updated design is the need to maintain and strengthen connections across this part of the city, ensuring that the economic benefits of the new high‑speed rail link support regeneration both locally and more widely.”

Key changes include:

• Updates to urban realm walls and planting within Station Square.
• Realignment of the Station Square Steps and updates to Paternoster.
• Revised layout and levels along Curzon Promenade.
• Updated interface between Curzon Promenade and the Midland Metro.
• Updated design for Curzon Square.
• Revisions to the southern route to accommodate servicing and cycling.
• Updated design for the southern entrance to the Eastern Concourse.

The council officer went on to conclude that the proposals are “welcomed” and would result in “high‑quality, robust and characterful public realm”.

They continued that they would also contribute “to the delivery of a world‑class station and landmark destination in Birmingham”.

“Accordingly, there are no compelling reasons to refuse the application and the works are recommended for approval,” they said.

The proposals will be considered by Birmingham’s planning committee next Thursday, April 16.

‘Failures of the past’

The high-speed railway project has been mired in controversy after being hit by serious challenges such as rising costs and delays.

Towards the end of last year, HS2 confirmed another setback when it revealed the aim of getting trains running between Birmingham and London’s Old Oak Common Station in the target window of 2029 to 2033 could not be achieved.

In an end of year update, HS2 CEO Mark Wild said that he made a commitment to address “the failures of the past and get HS2 on track”.

“It’s clear that we can only do so with a fundamental reset,” he continued.

“Over the last year we’ve been through the programme with a fine tooth comb and we’re now very close to establishing a clear path forward.

“However, we’ve not stood still. We had to deliver a safe and productive year while HS2 was reset and I want to thank the 34,000 people working on the project every day for their tremendous hard work.

“The solid progress they’ve made in the last year gives us strong foundations to build upon.”

Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham Council, has also stressed that HS2 is ‘already bringing huge benefits’ to the city.

“Other people are now bringing business here to Birmingham because they know HS2 is coming,” he said. “They’ve seen the transformation it’s delivering.”