HS2 Ltd. release high-res image of Euston Underground station (minus Crossrail 2 of course)

Click me to enlarge

HS2 Ltd.: Crossrail to the West Coast Main Line (and the Wycombe Line, since we're going that way)

HS2 Map of Crossrail to the WCML LWM-HS2-En-MAP-010-000002-P06

[Reposted] BBC: "Slough council petitions against HS2 plan to move Heathrow Express depot"

Link to web site

"Slough council is opposing government plans to build a depot for Heathrow Express trains in Langley.

"The High Speed 2 (HS2) project includes a bill which proposes moving the depot from Old Oak Common in London to an area north east of Langley.

"Slough Borough Council has now submitted a petition against the bill citing concerns over air quality, loss of land for housing and road access."

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"Berkshire council opposes HS2 depot plan"

"Slough Borough Council has made a formal objection against plans to build a railway depot in Langley to facilitate the £43bn High Speed 2 project.

The Berkshire local authority submitted a petition against the proposal to the Parliamentary committee formed to hammer out the detail of the route for phase one of the rapid rail link.

Promoter HS2 Ltd plans to build a Heathrow Express train depot north-east of Langley station so it can demolish the existing facility at Old Oak Common to make way for a major HS2 station.

Slough Borough Council assistant director of assets, infrastructure and regeneration Joe Carter said:

"We've got serious concerns about the impact of the depot, both while it's being constructed and when it becomes fully operational.

Major issues like road access, air quality and the loss of land earmarked for much-needed family housing have not been properly considered, and no details have been given on how the effects would be mitigated.

Businesses might decide not to invest in the area, and the move could affect plans to build a western rail link to Heathrow."

The petition called for the depot to move to [Old Oak Common, ex-Eurostar site] North Pole East in London, another site along the Heathrow Express line, or further east at Langley.

A HS2 Ltd spokesperson said:

"It is important that all parties who feel they may be affected by the construction and operation of HS2 are able to petition.

These petitions will now be considered by the select committee as part of the hybrid bill parliamentary process."

The Guardian: Steve Bell on George Osborne and HS2 bidding

Chinese slogan, 1979:

"Have fewer children, raise more pigs" (少生孩子多养猪)

Brent & Kilburn Times: "Developers unveil plans for multi-million pound business district in Wembley Park" (relying much more on public transport - like Old Oak Common - than Barnet's corrupt Brent Cross planning consent)

Link to web site

"Developers leading the multi-million pound transformation of land around Wembley stadium have unveiled plans for a series of high-rise office blocks aimed at drawing City workers and tech start-ups to the area.

"At a glitzy reception at the Hilton Sky Bar in Lakeside Way, developer Quintain revealed it is releasing 750,000 square feet of land to make way for four eight to nine storey blocks of dedicated office space.

"... Sarah O’Connell, Director of National Offices at Colliers International said:

"Wembley really does have everything in place to be the next King's Cross.

With everything already here, employees would have access to three stations, 76 shops and 20 restaurants, as well as a 9-screen cinema and the world famous sports stadium."

Rail: "HS2 Euston plans remain unaltered"

"HS2 Ltd says services will not start from Old Oak Common, despite Transport Minister Robert Goodwill suggesting that they could do so for 'several years' while London Euston is redeveloped.

"Goodwill was quoted in the Telegraph on September 19 as saying: 'We are considering whether to open the service to Old Oak Common a few months early and push back the completion of Euston for a few years.'

"However, HS2's plans to redevelop Euston in two stages - six new platforms and concourse to support Phase 1 of the route from London to Birmingham by 2026, followed by another five platforms for the Phase 2 extension to Manchester and Leeds by 2033 - remain as stated (RAIL 783).

HS2 spokesman Ben Ruse told RAIL: 'The Government's plan remains to open Phase 1 from Euston to Birmingham in 2026. If possible, we will open earlier than that, but that will depend on progress with the Hybrid Bill and preparatory works. There is no intention to delay the opening of Euston station as the terminus for HS2. In fact, as the Bill before the House sets out, the intention remains to open all of HS2 Phase 1 in one go.'

"Goodwill suggested that changing from HS2 to Crossrail at Old Oak Common would save passengers time compared with using conventional services to Euston, but RAIL understands that should services terminate at Old Oak Common, there would be serious repercussions for Crossrail.

"With up to 1,000 passengers per train switching from HS2 trains to Crossrail at Old Oak Common, Crossrail trains could be full to capacity before entering central London - the area where the commuter route's extra capacity is needed most.

"HS2 submitted detailed plans for the redevelopment of Euston in September. At the time, Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin described them as 'a vital piece of infrastructure that will benefit the whole nation'."

Department for Transport replies to Old Oak Common questions

1) Did the DfT insist to HS2 Ltd. there had to be three reversing sidings at Old Oak Common? Whose analysis concluded that the original two sidings between the WCML relief lines were inadequate?

"The requirement for three turnbacks emerged from an operational analysis of the train service specification."

2) Where does the DfT anticipate the three sidings might be extended to? The top two to the WCML? The other one to the Wycombe Line (Acton-Northolt)? Was the latter just for a daily Parliamentary train? Why wasn’t a grade-separated junction between the WCML and the Wycombe Line links envisaged, given the existing available operational railway land? If the WCML link took, say, 8 tph and Wycombe took 4 tph Crossrail trains, would the DfT regard grade-separation at their junction as highly desirable?

"The provision of three sidings is to enable two to be extended as part of the WCML-Crossrail Link, if progressed, and one for turning back trains at Old Oak Common. There is no current plan to reconnect the Wycombe Line."

3) Is the DfT content that the Crossrail sidings do not quite reach the 1913 North London Line Acton Wells railway bridge? Which of the four spans (call the northernmost span number one, and increment southwards) does the DfT expect the siding extensions to use?

"This bridge would have needed to be replaced."

4) Would any Crossrail-to-WCML project pay to refurbish/renew the Acton Wells Bridge? Which spans?

"As the Link project is in a very early stage of development, the allocation of budget has not been decided."

5) If the WCML loop tracks passed beneath span Three, next to the Central Line, so that a grade-separated up-Wycombe Line track could pass underneath those rising and curving WCML tracks and then pass beneath span One of the bridge, would the DfT be content that all four spans had to be refurbished/replaced (no doubt with a financial contribution from TfL)?

"This arrangement has not been reviewed and therefore the consequences of such an arrangement cannot be commented upon."

6) Where does the DfT expect the WCML loop tracks have to reach? Joining the Dudding Hill Line immediately south of the Victoria road railway bridge? Or over a new bridge to the west, to run towards the WCML, separate but parallel to the Dudding Hill Line tracks (to avoid timetable contamination from London Overground and slow freight trains)?

"A scheme for the WCML - Crossrail Link is already in the public domain and was tabled at an information event in the Old Oak Common area in 2014. The link uses the Dudding Hill Line."

7) Is the DfT aware of the Mayor of London’s aspiration to run a new London Overground service along the Dudding Hill Line, linking together London Opportunity Areas, and providing a bypass to the North Circular Road?

"TfL were involved in the development of a scheme for the WCML-Crossrail Link (see above) and shared their knowledge of future aspirations."

8) Would the location of any new WCML bridge allow space for the current Dudding Hill Line to be slewed to the west, to allow station platforms to be built alongside Midland Terrace?

"The scheme developed in 2014 did not allow for this eventuality."

9) Might that suggest building a new four-track railway bridge over Victoria Road, and the demolition of the existing, narrower-span bridge?

"The scheme did not need to replace the existing bridge DHL Bridge over Victoria Road."

10) Is the Dft aware that there are existing unused bridge abutments, built in 1913, to allow the Acton Wells Bridge to be widened to four tracks?

"HS2 are not in possession of any information to this effect."

11) Will the DfT scope out the opportunity to four-track the Acton Wells bridge, given the possibility of 8 or 12 tph of London Overground, plus freight, using the bridge in the future?

"It is too early to either scope in or scope out the four tracking of the North London Line and hence the Acton Wells bridge."

HS2 Ltd. responds to Old Oak Common terminus and Euston Express proposals

Link to PDF file

"This paper summarises the Promoter’s analysis of a HS2 Euston Action Group (HEAG) proposal to locate the main HS2 terminus at Old Oak Common with a link to Euston for a few HS2 trains. The link would be from Old Oak Common to the West Coast Main Line (WCML) in the vicinity of Queens Park.

"The transport and train operation conclusions of this paper are:

• Terminating all HS2 trains at Old Oak Common would reduce the HS2 overall patronage and the revenue by over 10% and t he economic benefits of the Phase by 15%. Patronage between London and the West Midlands would be reduced by over 20%;
• Compared with the Proposed Scheme for a terminus at Euston and an interchange at Old Oak Common the two terminus proposal would increase journey times for HS2 passengers to many parts of central, north and south London;
• When Phase 2 of HS2 is implemented, there would be insufficient capacity on Crossrail to accommodate HS2 passengers to Central London; and
• The proposal to run only a few classic compatible trains to Euston would not be capable of supporting a viable train service specification, nor justify the cost of the Euston tunnel. A 5-6 platform HS2 station at Euston would incur most of the property demolition, adverse environmental effect and cost of the Proposed Scheme, but result in a much reduced HS2 train service to Euston. There are therefore no viable two terminus options.

"The Promoter remains of the view that the HEAG proposal to locate the main HS2 terminus at Old Oak Common would be contrary to the principle established at Second Reading that the London terminus should be located at Euston.

"Nor would there be any purpose in further consideration of the HEAG option or any two terminus solution, as none would be capable of supporting a credible operational specification, or demonstrate sufficient passenger benefits to justify the cost."

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Link to PDF file

The Petition proposal, known as the 'Euston Express' scheme, suggests that HS2 should run on surface from Queens Park / Kilburn High Road to Euston Station. The petition contends that this proposal will result in a minimal increase in journey time and be cheaper and less disruptive compared with the Hybrid Bill scheme.

A review of the petition proposal has been carried out by C221 with input from C241 and C251. The review has only been carried out on the proposed petitioner's scheme between and Old Oak Common (OOC) station and Park Street Tunnels and excludes any potential effects at Euston station and throat.

The operational review of the Petitioner’s proposal has identified:

• The proposed infrastructure between Queens Park and Euston cannot be operated with an acceptable degree of reliability or flexibility
• It could not accommodate the proposed 2026 WCML classic train services and there would be no capacity for future growth
• The increased length of the route would potentially add 1min to 1min 30secs to the timetabled journey time.

...

"... A high level capital cost comparison has been undertaken and it has been estimated that the petitioner’s proposal is in the region of £781m more expensive than the Hybrid Bill scheme.

"A comparison between the Euston Express proposal and the Hybrid Bill scheme was under taken using the HS2 sift criteria and the Hybrid Bill scheme remains the preferred scheme."

Cargiant: Question to the Mayor, from Onkar Sahota AM

Old Oak Common - Car Giant Public Consultation

Mayor's Question Time
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Question 2015/2369
Main question
Onkar Sahota

"Were the prominent roles played by GLA staff in the promotional materials for Car Giant's proposals for the Old Oak Common Mayoral Development Corporation sanctioned by the GLA, and does the Mayor feel that given the role the GLA will play in determining the scope and ambition of the development, and the ongoing concerns residents in the area are expressing, it was appropriate?"

Written answer from the Mayor

"GLA and OPDC would be the determining authorities for any future Car Giant planning application. Given that Car Giant own around 20 hectares of land at Old Oak, you won't be surprised to hear that both authorities are working with this key landowner to ensure an acceptable planning application is submitted for determination. Both authorities and decision makers are also very aware of the process that needs to be followed, so as not to pre-determine any planning applications. GLA and OPDC are meeting with local residents to seek their input into planning policy and will consult local residents on any planning application."

City AM: "Plans for Old Oak Common homes revealed"

"RESIDENTIAL landlord Essential Living has submitted plans to build 500 homes on the site of a former perfume factory, in what will be the first major scheme inside the Old Oak Common regeneration area.

"The Perfume Factory, which has been named after the Elizabeth Arden factory that used to sit on the North Acton site, will provide a mixture of studios, one-to three-bedroom flats and mews houses for the private rental market.

"The 2.8-acre scheme forms part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s Old Oak Common and Park Royal Opportunity Area, which plans to turn the wider 2,300-acre site into a 'superhub' supported by the arrival of Crossrail and High Speed 2 (HS2).

"If the plans win approval, work will start in late 2017, for completion by the end of 2020."

Sunday Telegraph: "HS2 planners warn trains may terminate in the suburbs as Euston redevelopment is pushed back"

Link to web site

"HS2's central London terminus at Euston may not open for the start of the new service, with trains finishing at a station in the suburbs for several years, the minister responsible has told the Telegraph.

"The Government is examining whether to end the service at Old Oak Common, near Harlesden, about six miles west of Euston.

"Passengers would have to change to local Crossrail trains to reach the centre."

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Link to "Transport for London's 2014 proposals for improving Willesden Junction station (kicked into the long grass")

HS2: Another day, Another speech: Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Robert Goodwill MP

  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport
Robert Goodwill MP

Introduction

"My message to today’s (16 September 2015, Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, London) conference is clear.
HS2 is happening, and it’s time to get ready.
The HS2 bill is making steady progress through the House of Commons.
And we are on track to receive Royal Assent by the end of 2016.
Before the election, we put HS2 in our manifesto as part of our plan to rebalance the economy.
To transform Britain’s infrastructure by creating new connectivity in the north.
To release much-needed capacity in the south.
To secure thousands of skilled apprenticeships and jobs across the country.
It was a vision backed by the electorate.
They gave us 5 clear years.
By which time this project will be well past the point of no return."

Delivery

"Since May, we have wasted no time.
Over the summer we started recruiting for HS2’s design panel.
The team of designers who will help decide how HS2 will look and feel.
Lord Adonis joined HS2 Ltd’s board.
And last week we announced our plans for Euston, plans that will reduce disruption and allow us to turn the station into a thriving transport and community hub.
In the coming year, the HS2 bill is set to pass through the hybrid Bill committee and reach third reading.
And we will also announce how we will take forward HS2’s northern sections, from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds.
So the debate about whether to build HS2 is over.
Now it’s time to discuss the detail of delivery.
And how cities should plan to benefit from the new HS2 network.
I am pleased to see these themes running through today’s conference.
Because those are the themes I want to talk about today."

HS2 procurement

"The progress we’ve made with the HS2 bill means that we are on course to start building in less than 2 years’ time.
We have a clear plan.
To go from managing the HS2 bill through Parliament, to managing the deployment of the thousands of infrastructure professionals along with all the materials and machinery we need to start building the line in 2017.
We are starting the procurement process by preparing the contracts that will be signed as soon as the bill has passed; some of the largest value contracts in UK construction history.
Generating tens of thousands of opportunities.
Sixty percent of which we expect to be awarded to small- and medium-sized businesses.
We need everything from architects to aggregates, steel and surveyors, to engineers and environmental consultants.
We estimate that HS2 will create 25,000 jobs during construction and 3,000 jobs when in operation.
Not just on site, but right across the UK.
Earlier in the summer, HS2 Ltd visited Wales to engage Welsh firms interested in opportunities on HS2.
Last week, HS2 was in Northern Ireland.
And in coming weeks they will visit Scotland."

Skills and apprenticeships

"The jobs that HS2 will create are an incredible opportunity for the UK, but also a major challenge.
Because while we need 25,000 skilled professionals for HS2, our investment in the existing rail and road networks is creating another 20,000 jobs.
And that’s at the same time as we need skilled people for all our other great infrastructure projects such as flood defences, nuclear power stations and perhaps even Crossrail 2.
We need many more engineers, surveyors, construction workers, planners, drainage experts and even arboriculturists.
So we are getting ready now.
We will write into the statute book our commitment to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, many of which will serve infrastructure.
And we are supporting specialised colleges.
The Crossrail Tunnelling Academy has enrolled over 10,000 students since opening in 2012.
This autumn the National Training Academy for Rail will open in Northampton.
And in 2017, we will open the National College for High Speed Rail.
Together, these institutions will form a national network of transport infrastructure skills academies to train the transport workers of the future.
That is how we will get to the point of construction for HS2."

Old Oak Common

"But getting construction under-way is just the beginning.
We need to plan for day the line is open.
And how it will transform travel between our cities, as well as transforming the locations it serves.
Take Old Oak Common.
A place that hasn’t received the same attention as Euston or Birmingham’s Curzon Street – yet.
But a place to which HS2 will bring profound change.
Old Oak Common is 155 acres of brownfield and industrial land in north-west London.
It is larger than Canary Wharf or the Olympic Park.
And under our plans for HS2, it will be home to one of Britain’s most important transport hubs.
With a station served not just by HS2, but also Crossrail, the Heathrow Express, and trains serving the west of England and South Wales on the Great Western Main Line.
It will be used by up to a quarter of a million passengers every day, providing much-faster connections between Birmingham and Heathrow, Stratford and London’s West End.
In fact, we estimate that one third of HS2 passengers will use Old Oak Common as their connection hub rather than Euston.
We know the power of transport to regenerate communities.
We have seen it at Kings Cross and around many of the high speed stations in France.
And now we are about to see it at Old Oak Common.
In April, the Mayor of London set up a Development Corporation to ensure we seize this opportunity.
If we get it right, our plans for the area could provide 55,000 jobs and 24,000 new homes.
It will turn Old Oak Common into a destination every bit as important as Euston, Paddington, Kings Cross or Birmingham New Street."

Conclusion

"Those are just a few examples of how we are getting ready for HS2.
Procurement, training and local planning.
Themes that you will cover in much more detail throughout today.
And that’s why we welcome conferences like today’s.
This is an opportunity for our national experts to debate best practice, to learn from the past and from one another.
In the next few years we will need that expertise, as we follow in the footsteps of our Victorian forebears, and build HS2.
Thank you."

OPDC releases Old Oak Common images (what of exactly is a different matter)

Old Oak Common Station southern square

Old Oak Common Lane Station square
(presumably that is the Dudding Hill Line!)

North Acton Station square

Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation: Consultations

"Consultation with local stakeholders is central to the activities of the OPDC.

"If you or a group you represent would like to be added to our contacts database please send your contact details to:
info@opdc.london.gov.uk

"This will enable us to keep you up to date with events and consultations relating to planning activities."

Current consultations

OPDC Local Plan Integrated Impact Assessment Scoping Report

"OPDC is consulting on the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) Scoping Report for the forthcoming OPDC Local Plan. The Scoping Report consultation represents the initial stage in the IIA process for the Local Plan and sets the scope for the remainder of the process. The IIA includes the combined Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), alongside the Health Impact Assessment, Equalities Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment.

"The IIA Scoping Report is now out for consultation and available for download by clicking the below link:
OPDC Local Plan IIA Scoping Report

"In accordance with regulation 12(5) of the SEA Regulations, this Scoping Report will be consulted upon for a five week period with the statutory SEA bodies, these are:

• Natural England;
• Historic England; and
• The Environment Agency

"OPDC is also seeking comments on the Scoping Report from the public and other stakeholders.

"Hard copies will also be made available by contacting the address below.
Please note all comments, suggestions and responses should reach us by 5pm 9 October 2015 and be sent by email to info@opdc.london.gov.uk or by letter to:
Local Plan IIA Scoping Report Consultation
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation
City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA"

Draft OPDC Statement of Community Involvment (SCI)

"OPDC, as the Local Planning Authority, has drafted a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which sets out how stakeholders will be involved in the planning process.

"The draft Statement of Community Involvement is now out for consultation, the document, along with a quick guide, can be downloaded by clicking the links below :

Draft OPDC SCI

Draft Quick Guide to Engagement OPDC

"Hard copies will also be made available by contacting the address below.
Please note all comments, suggestions and responses should reach us by 5pm Wednesday 14 October 2015 and be sent by email to info@opdc.london.gov.uk or by letter to:
FAO: Senior Engagement Officer (SCI)
Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation
City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA"

Previous consultations

"The Greater London Authority had consulted on the draft Old Oak & Park Royal Opportunity Area Planning Framework. The consultation took place on 28 February and ended on 14 April 2015.

"OPDC previously consulted on an application to designate Harlesden Neighbourhood Area and the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum. The consultation took place from 13 July to 25 August 2015."

TfL: "Crossrail trains take shape"

Trains being manufactured at Bombardier's plant in Derby

Manufacture and delivery of the 66 Crossrail trains and depot is supporting 760 UK jobs and 80 apprenticeships

"The production of the new Crossrail trains, which will help meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of London and the South East, has reached an important milestone with the completion of a test carriage at Bombardier's train manufacturing plant in Derby.

"This first body shell is being used to refine the design and the manufacturing techniques needed for the full production of the 594 carriages needed for the 66 Crossrail trains.

"At over 200m long, the trains will be around the length of two full-sized (Premier League) football pitches or 18 New Routemaster buses. They will provide space for up to 1,500 passengers and help to relieve congestion on journeys between east and west London and beyond into Berkshire in the West and Essex in the East. The trains will have wide interconnecting gangways and three double doors on each side of each carriage, providing high capacity and quick boarding and alighting times that will be particularly beneficial at busy central stations.

"The manufacture and delivery of the trains and depot at Old Oak Common are supporting 760 UK manufacturing jobs, as well as 80 apprenticeships. Over the course of the project, it is estimated that Crossrail and its supply chain will support the equivalent of 55,000 full time jobs across the country.

"The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said:

'The first test train carriage to roll off the assembly line in Derby is a fantastic visual reminder of how close we are to seeing a new railway line up and running in the Capital. It also shows how this amazing construction project is supporting jobs and apprenticeships not only in London but across the UK.'

"Howard Smith, TfL's Crossrail Operations Director, said:

'It's really exciting to see this first body shell from Bombardier's new purpose-built testing and commissioning facility. It not only brings Crossrail closer but also highlights how the project is creating jobs, opportunities and economic growth in other parts of the country.'

"Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

'It is great to see Bombardier's progress in delivering the first test train carriage. This is an exciting milestone for the Crossrail project, and these state-of-the-art new trains showcase British engineering at its best. As well as transforming travel across the capital when it opens, our investment in Crossrail is also helping to boost local economies by creating jobs and apprenticeships around the UK.'

"Joe Bednall, Bombardier's Project Director, said:

'This assembled body shell, which has progressed rapidly from a blank piece of paper through to build and test, is the first off the production line for the Crossrail project. It will first go to be tested, to validate the body shell design, before being painted and re-assembled to form the client's cab and saloon mock up. The on-time completion of this new light-weight body shell design marks an important milestone in the ongoing successful delivery of the Crossrail project.'

"TfL and Bombardier have been working with designers Barber & Osgerby on the design of the Crossrail trains, which will be unveiled later this year.

"The first trains will begin to operate between Liverpool Street and Shenfield from May 2017, running through the central section in 2018 ahead of the full Crossrail route from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east in 2019.

"Earlier this year, TfL began operating the first section of what will become the Crossrail route from Liverpool Street to Shenfield and started refurbishing the twelve stations along the route from Maryland to Shenfield. Since 31 May, these stations have been staffed from first to last train. TfL has been working with the operator MTR to improve reliability and from 26 July until 22 August, 96.9 per cent of all trains along this route ran within 5 minutes of schedule, one of the best performance figures of all operators in Britain."

HS2 launches cut-down Euston station plan (For the non-HS2 part, someone else can come up with a scheme)

Only have to fit in Crossrail 2, as well ...

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"Plans to bring high speed rail to Euston station and restore its place at the heart of the country’s transport network will be submitted to Parliament next week.



"Eleven new platforms for HS2 will be built at the station in two stages as part of a phased approach that means less disruption for passengers. The plans, which will now be considered by Parliament, also offer the flexibility to transform the station into a thriving transport and community hub.

"The new Euston station will provide high speed rail services from London to the Midlands, the North and Scotland. The latest plans, produced by HS2 Ltd following extensive work with rail industry partners and taking into account the aspiration for wider redevelopment, will unlock the potential at the site of the capital’s greatest regeneration opportunity.

"The provision of underpinning support structures as part of the plans will allow a range of uses above the station, delivering the flexibility for a future decision on the wider redevelopment and regeneration of the area.

"As well as the 11 high speed platforms provided by the new plan, 11 platforms will remain in the current station to serve the existing network. There will be new public spaces for shops, restaurants and cafes.

HS2 vision for Euston platform

"The high speed station will be delivered in two stages:

• The construction of six new high speed platforms and concourse to the west of the station to support the opening of HS2 Phase One (between London and the Midlands) high speed services in 2026
• The construction of five further high speed platforms and concourse to support the opening of Phase Two (between London and Leeds/Manchester) high speed services in 2033

"The plans also enable potential redevelopment of the remaining existing station platforms and concourses, subject to future funding and approvals.

"The staged approach to building the high speed terminus means existing services can continue to operate, reducing both disruption for passengers and the effects on the community as a whole at any one time.

HS2 vision for Euston southern entrance

"London Underground facilities at Euston will also be significantly enhanced with passengers benefitting from greater space and connections to services including a new ticket hall and direct subway to Euston Square station. Access to taxis, buses and cycles will also be greatly improved.

"Simon Kirby, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, said:

"These firm proposals will allow Euston to fulfil its potential.

It’s time for Euston to change. Not just if it is to fulfil its historic role as the gateway between London and much of the rest of the country, but also if it’s to become a much bigger and fully accessible part of its own community.

Just a stone’s throw away, we have seen how the stations at King’s Cross and St. Pancras have transformed the surrounding areas into vibrant and thriving locations.

We must replicate and build on that commercial and architectural success. Now is the time for Euston to catch up with its neighbours to meet the requirements of the 21st century and beyond."

"London’s first inter-city train station, Euston opened in 1837. It now caters for around 42 million passengers a year – more than double the design capacity of the current station which was built in 1968.

"As passenger numbers continue to rise, its facilities and links with London Underground face an increasing and unsustainable challenge every day.

"Rupert Walker, Euston Development Director for HS2 Ltd and Network Rail, said:

"Euston needs to become a station that both the nation and local community can be proud of – and share. It will be the best connected station in London; a crossroads between the north and the south, quickly and easily accessible from all parts of the capital and, with HS2, the country.

This will take time and inevitably cause disruption to both the community and commuters as we work to bring about change but at each stage we will do our best to explain what we are doing, and why, as well as listening to ideas about what the new Euston should look and feel like.

We will also set out at each stage how we will try to minimise the impact of the work and attempt to respond to concerns from both the community and passengers, learning from experiences on other major projects."

"The plans are proposed for inclusion in the High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Bill by means of an Additional Provision (AP) which is due, subject to the approval of Parliament, to be deposited later this month.

"Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said:

"HS2 offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to revolutionise not just Euston station but a whole area at the heart of London. The new station will be the catalyst for wider redevelopment and so it is right that we are ambitious in our plans to dramatically improve the design, capacity and technology used.

The plans outlined today are essential for the local community, but they also set out a vital piece of infrastructure that will benefit the whole nation – both by improving journeys, and also by supporting jobs, enabling business growth and bringing our country closer together. These are the first steps towards creating a station in Euston of which both the local community and national passengers can be proud."

Respond by 14 Oct: "OPDC has drafted a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)"

DRAFT OPDC SCI Aug 2015 for Consultation[1]

Source

BBC: "North Acton resident Jonathan Notley considered Woodward Hall to be so bad he stood for Parliament in the last election on a 'ban inappropriate development' platform"

Link to web site

"A City of London skyscraper, nicknamed the Walkie Talkie, has won the annual Carbuncle Cup, awarded to a building judged to be the UK's worst.

"Previous winners of the Carbuncle Cup include apartments above a Tesco store in Woolwich, south-east London, Liverpool's ferry terminal, student flats in north London, the renovation of the Cutty Sark and the Strata Tower in south London's Elephant and Castle.

"To find a winner, readers of Building Design nominate their most hated buildings, which are then whittled down into a shortlist by a jury of architects and writers."