HS2 yesterday revealed the first section of platform to be installed for Britain’s new high-speed railway. In the underground box at HS2’s Old Oak Common station, engineers have begun installing the platform slabs which passengers will use when boarding or alighting high-speed trains in the future. Six platforms are being built at the super-hub station in West London for high-speed services. Each will be served by HS2’s fleet of 400-metre trains. These are being built in advance of a further eight surface-level platforms for Great Western Mainline, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express services. All six high-speed platforms are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box. They are laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks. The platforms are the first to be unveiled anywhere on Britain’s new high-speed railway and give a glimpse of what future passengers can expect when services begin running. To construct the platforms, 1.59m high walls, known as invert walls, have been poured. 1,960 pre-cast concrete slabs, measuring up to 4m by 2m, are then lifted into place on top. The platforms have a void below, allowing for services, such as electricity, to be installed within. The pre-cast concrete slabs are being made offsite by Explore Manufacturing in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, an example of how Britain’s manufacturing industry is building for the nation’s future. The station is being constructed by HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA (BBVS JV), which began permanent work after the Transport Secretary gave the thumbs up to the station in June 2021. The structure of the huge 850m long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000 sq/m base slab. Despite recent progress, HS2 is currently undergoing a fundamental reset led by Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, to make sure the railway can be delivered efficiently and for the lowest feasible cost. Huw Edwards, Delivery Director for stations and placemaking at HS2 Ltd, said: “The installation of the first passenger platforms represents a real step forward in taking HS2 from purely a construction project to the future of Britain’s railways. “Whilst there is still much more to work to do, standing where passengers will alight HS2 services is a reminder of what this railway will achieve – creating connections between people and places, that will benefit generations to come.” Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said:  “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2. It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.” Later this year, HS2 will begin installation of the eight platforms that will be used by conventional rail services – the Great Western, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express. When complete, the station will be one of the best connected in the UK, with the potential to reach over 100 stations in the UK and being the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line. The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there  the superstructure of the station can be built, creating the vibrant station environment. Tunnelling work to connect the station to the HS2 network is being undertaken by HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV. In the eastern section of the underground box, the team are preparing to launch two giant tunnelling machines towards Euston. In the western side of the box, the team will excavate a short tunnel connecting the station to the Victoria Road Crossover Box nearby using the sprayed concrete lining method. From there the new high speed line will run through the Northolt Tunnel. Economic research, published by HS2 earlier this year, shows that HS2 is spearheading a £10bn boost in the areas surrounding its new station site in West London. Within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common Station, HS2 will be responsible for generating over 22,00 homes, 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace, and 18,782 jobs, the research, conducted by Arcadis, found. HS2’s new station sits within the economic development zone where the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is delivering its masterplan for a new district in west London. Established by the Mayor in 2015, OPDC covers an area of 650 hectares and is working to maximise the regeneration opportunities, creating a positive legacy for communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new strategic partnership has been formed between Network Rail Property, Places for London, and the London Borough of Lambeth to drive forward a major regeneration of London Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank neighbourhood. The collaboration follows the publication of the Waterloo Station Vision in 2023, which outlined long-term ambitions for one of Britain’s busiest transport hubs and its vibrant surrounding area. As the fourth busiest station in Great Britain, London Waterloo plays a crucial role in connecting commuters, tourists, and leisure travellers to the heart of the capital and its renowned cultural landmarks. The new partnership aims to transform the station into a modern destination that enhances the customer experience while delivering broader benefits to the South Bank area. The regeneration is expected to improve connectivity, open up new public spaces, and support diverse development and investment opportunities. Working with public and private sector partners, the programme will be rolled out in a series of phases. The initiative will also engage closely with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the regeneration meets the needs of both residents and visitors. The collaborative project seeks to unlock long-term economic growth for Lambeth by creating jobs, attracting businesses, and delivering new housing, while reinforcing the area’s role as a global cultural and economic hub. Robin Dobson, Group Property Director, Network Rail said: “This is a great step forward in combining both our resources and assets across Waterloo and South Bank. We will work with neighbouring partners to deliver a regeneration plan that unlocks huge growth and investment opportunities across the Borough, delivering the widest mix of uses and something very special for this important part of London for future generations to come.” Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive, Places for London added: “Millions of people pass through Waterloo every year to work and explore the South Bank and beyond. Through this new collaboration, we can ensure those customers are getting the very best London has to offer as they travel through this historic transport hub. This a great opportunity for Places for London to work with Network Rail and the London Borough of Lambeth to provide a new and improved vision for the community and all who come to Waterloo.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major step toward the future of British rail infrastructure has been taken as Network Rail’s planning application to redevelop London Liverpool Street Station has been validated by the City of London. The transformative vision outlines bold and collaborative plans to modernise Britain’s busiest station, ensuring it meets the needs of future generations while improving connectivity, accessibility, and the overall passenger experience. With support from Transport for London (TfL), the proposals aim to create a fully integrated, multi-modal transport hub linking the national rail network, London Underground, the Elizabeth line, bus routes, and pedestrian and cycling access. The redesigned station will be fully accessible and is intended to serve as a blueprint for future infrastructure projects across the capital. Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said: “The station proposed in this application is absolutely what London needs. An accessible, inclusive, world-class multi-modal transport gateway to the heart of London – designed to serve the City, all Londoners, and everyone who travels through it.” London Liverpool Street currently connects 118 million passengers each year to destinations across London, East Anglia, and the east of England. Passenger numbers are forecast to grow by 35% to 158 million annually by 2041, with the capacity to support more than 200 million people in future decades. Despite its critical role in the UK’s transport ecosystem, Liverpool Street Station has not seen a major upgrade in decades. Since the last major works, usage has tripled, resulting in regular congestion at ticket barriers, concourses, and access points. For some passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges, the current lack of step-free access and modern facilities creates significant barriers to travel. The proposed redevelopment addresses these concerns head-on. Beyond the transport benefits, the project promises a major economic uplift for the capital. According to figures released by Network Rail, the redevelopment could boost the City of London economy by up to £4.6 billion per year, a sum likened to the fiscal impact of a 1p change in the basic rate of income tax. Since its opening in 1875, Liverpool Street Station has evolved alongside the City of London, playing a pivotal role in supporting economic growth in the ‘Square Mile’ for Network Rail. Network Rail’s plans aim to continue that legacy while modernising the infrastructure for a 21st-century transport system. In collaboration with TfL and stakeholders such as Historic England, the revised proposals also seek to balance innovation with heritage, promising a bold new station interior that celebrates the historic fabric of the site while improving the overall experience for millions of daily users. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

All roads have now reopened on the newly constructed bridge deck at Agar Grove in Camden, north London, a key milestone in the £30 million project to modernise the 160-year-old railway structure. The Agar Grove bridge, which spans the Midland Main Line, was fully replaced over a nine-day period in December 2024 in a tightly coordinated operation designed to enhance rail services and road infrastructure in the area. Train services resumed on schedule on 30 December following the successful installation of new beams, parapets, and deck components. Overhead line equipment and railway tracks were also reinstated during the short window of rail closure. After the railway reopened, teams moved quickly to dismantle the crane and reinstate vital utility services. A single lane of road traffic was reintroduced in February, with the temporary footbridge removed in March. Final resurfacing of the bridge deck was completed over the weekend, allowing the entire area to reopen to road traffic from Monday 12 May. The major bridge replacement began after the last train on 20 December 2024. Within just days, the old structure was demolished and the new deck put in place. In addition to the primary bridge works, Network Rail teams took advantage of the track closure to complete over 50 secondary tasks — including vegetation clearance, track maintenance, and power cable upgrades. A new pedestrian route linking St Augustine’s Road across the bridge is due to open later this week, with all remaining footpath work expected to be completed by mid-June, officially bringing the transformative infrastructure project to a close. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Midlands Rail Hub project would deliver 20 million extra seats a year for businesses, residents and commuters. The Midlands Rail Hub proposes building two ‘chords’ and over 10 further engineering interventions throughout the region to deliver a massive step change in rail transport in the Midlands. This will see up to 300 extra trains traveling into or out of Birmingham every single day and will help create a ‘turn up and go’ service on the busy Cross City line. Birmingham Moor Street will see 14.2 million extra seats and Birmingham New Street will gain an extra 5.4 million seats. The Cross City line will see two extra trains, in each direction, per hour, which will create 5.4 million new seats each year. Redditch, Alvechurch and Barnt Green will see one extra train, in each direction, per hour and 2.7 million new seats for passengers, whilst Bromsgrove will see 4.7 million new seats. Lichfield will gain 5.4 million seats. Nottingham, Hereford, Coleshill Parkway, Worcester, Hinckley, South Wigston, Droitwich Spa and Worcestershire Parkway will see at least 2 million new seats. Derby will see 4.1 million new seats. Andy Clark, Head of Rail at Midlands Connect, said: “The benefits of the Midlands Rail Hub will be felt by millions of people across the Midlands and beyond. “Being able to run faster, more frequent services and deliver 20 million extra seats is the definition of a win-win project. The Midlands Rail Hub is our flagship project at Midlands Connect, and we are working to deliver massive benefits to all corners of the Midlands.” The Midlands Rail Hub project is co-sponsored by Midlands Connect, the Department for Transport and West Midlands Rail Executive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has submitted a planning application for a new Travel Hub in Tyldesley to help more people access the Bee Network and boost the numbers of people using public transport by providing improved park and ride facilities. The proposed new Travel Hub will create 99 additional parking spaces – including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and accessible spaces – and will be built on Astley Street, south of the Leigh Guided Busway to meet increased demand for spaces at the existing park and ride nearby. Improved pedestrian access to the guided busway will also be provided as part of the plans alongside new street lighting and CCTV to help people feel safer when using the site at all times of day.  The existing Astley Street Park and Ride – which provides 46 spaces and three disabled bays – will also be given a new designated pick up and drop off area, two extra accessible car parking spaces, covered cycle parking, delivery lockers, and a new office for staff working on the Guided Busway. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Park and Rides play a vital role within the Bee Network by encouraging more people to use our integrated public transport system, while also reducing congestion on our roads and improving air quality. “The success of the Leigh Guided Busway, including the trial of night buses, has seen demand for parking increase at Tyldesley Park and Ride. This expansion will improve access to bus services and provide the capacity needed to encourage more people to travel more sustainably. We listened to a strong call from the community on this, they asked and we have responded.” In total 148 car parking spaces would be provided at the proposed Travel Hub, including accessible bays and EV charging parking spaces. Following planning approval, work is expected to start on site in early 2026 and complete by the summer. Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “It’s fantastic to see things progress to the next stage with the Tyldesley Park and Ride and the Travel Hub. “With more than three times the current parking capacity, this new provision will improve access to public transport and help to alleviate the existing parking pressures in Tyldesley town centre. “Better connectivity is key to reducing congestion on our roads, supporting local growth and encouraging more people to use public transport. I look forward to seeing work begin in early 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals