HS2 Euston - Development, design and construction news (not speculation, please)

[Sonik]

In terms of maximising the oversite potential including of the HS2 station it was realised that the size of the slab over the total station area needed to be maximised. A micro 6 platform HS2 station is fairly useless and much of the usable over site building height is limited by protected site lines in places hence there needs to be a coherent all Euston station redevelopment to get any decent about of revenue from over site development (look at Lord H.'s comments over the last year carefully).

Really interesting, I hadn't picked this up but it makes sense.

One of the key messages is that TfL are viewed as being responsible for (funding) any linkages to Euston Square

Hendy mentioned before that the HS2 station *looks* very expensive for what it is, because it includes the (very costly) LUL upgrade.

The LUL station needs sorting out regardless, so arguably it should be a separate project with it's own budget. Exactly this was done at TCR before Crossrail arrived, so there is precedent.

 

[Tobberz]

With regards to the related Euston Underground works, would this include passive provision for Crossrail 2? You'd hope so.

As a curious addendum, there is still the plan to implement an elevated people mover through Somers Town between St. Pancras and Euston. In addition, of course, to Crossrail 2 connecting both these stations underground. This would mean we end up with a curious case of being able to use a people mover between two ends of effectively the same station. Probably not until 2050 mind you.

 

[SynthD]

Exactly this was done at TCR before Crossrail arrived, so there is precedent.

Was it?

With regards to the related Euston Underground works, would this include passive provision for Crossrail 2?

We won’t know for sure until we see a stub corridor, like at TCR. I don’t recall seeing one on the Euston Square plans, it would be part of the deep level station.

 

[jfowkes]

With regards to the related Euston Underground works, would this include passive provision for Crossrail 2? You'd hope so.

As a curious addendum, there is still the plan to implement an elevated people mover through Somers Town between St. Pancras and Euston. In addition, of course, to Crossrail 2 connecting both these stations underground. This would mean we end up with a curious case of being able to use a people mover between two ends of effectively the same station. Probably not until 2050 mind you.

I doubt there's any crossrail 2 plans that are advanced enough to make passive provision for. Anything done at Euston to try doing that could just as easily end up as an unwanted constraint or outright liability instead.

 

[Bald Rick]

I doubt there's any crossrail 2 plans that are advanced enough to make passive provision for. Anything done at Euston to try doing that could just as easily end up as an unwanted constraint or outright liability instead.

The Crossrail 2 station layout is broadly confirmed and available in public documentation via the safeguarding plans. The rebuild of Euston tube for HS2 (largely to the west of the station) didn’t really impact the CR2 station (to the east).

However the development on the ‘back lot’ of the British Library, which will be directly above part of the CR2 station, is including the box necessary for part of the CR2 station itself. Again that is all publicly available.

 

[quantinghome]

Hendy mentioned before that the HS2 station *looks* very expensive for what it is, because it includes the (very costly) LUL upgrade.

The LUL station needs sorting out regardless, so arguably it should be a separate project with it's own budget. Exactly this was done at TCR before Crossrail arrived, so there is precedent.

Another relevant example would be the redevelopment of Kings Cross / St Pancras Underground, separately budgeted from HS1.

 

[michael8]

I doubt there's any crossrail 2 plans that are advanced enough to make passive provision for. Anything done at Euston to try doing that could just as easily end up as an unwanted constraint or outright liability instead.

A minor correction - an office redevelopment at Victoria recently had to make provision for a future Crossrail 2 alignment IIRC, so it is feasible.

 

[Russel]

A minor correction - an office redevelopment at Victoria recently had to make provision for a future Crossrail 2 alignment IIRC, so it is feasible.

What sort of provision was required?

 

[Snow1964]

HS2 has issued update, map includes areas with :

site preparatory works 2-3 August
L-unit install 16-17 August. (L-units are concrete supports)
Bridge works 23, 24, 25 August

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ETRC00178-250717-Weekend-works-in-Euston-Approaches-August-2025-1.pdf

 

[Snow1964]

HS2 has issued update on restarting some part built works near Euston station throat, east of Hampstead Road

From mid-September, we will complete the partially built retaining wall. This will stabilise the site and allow for a new internal vehicle route, supporting future construction phases. Further enabling works will follow. Following the completion of the retaining wall, we will continue with further enabling activities across the site to prepare for upcoming works.

Notice of retaining wall construction works at HS2 site, east of Hampstead Road

From mid-September, we will complete the partially built retaining wall. This will stabilise the site and allow for a new internal vehicle route, supporting future construction phases. Further enabling works will follow. Following the completion of the retaining wall, we will continue with...

www.hs2.org.uk

 

[hwl]

HS2 has issued update on restarting some part built works near Euston station throat, east of Hampstead Road

Notice of retaining wall construction works at HS2 site, east of Hampstead Road

From mid-September, we will complete the partially built retaining wall. This will stabilise the site and allow for a new internal vehicle route, supporting future construction phases. Further enabling works will follow. Following the completion of the retaining wall, we will continue with...

www.hs2.org.uk

Probably more a case of slowly plodding on (and needing to align with the upcoming Hampstead Road new section of bridge works which sees some temporary diversions of the carriageway to the south.) rather than a restart on anything directly station related.

Other ongoing works near by:
Diverting the utilities from Hampstead Road to the temporary route over Granby Road (bridge) - On going, completes in December.
On going work in the gap on the HS2 track alignment between new section of bridge over Granby Road and Hampstead Road (to be future bridge) to lower the ground level. The ground level will go from roughly road height to substantially (2.5 to 3m) below the existing Euston approaches track bed level. This will include removing the retaining wall next to the track. This effectively needed the Granby Road bridge work to be complete as future access from the north side of Hampstead would end up being via the HS2 track bed.

Hence it looks like a start on the HS2 Hampstead Road bridge early next year.

 

[Snow1964]

A new drone video showing current status of Euston approaches has been posted, rather looks like an abandoned building site in places. Negligible evidence of anything being constructed At current time.

 

[BrianW]

A new drone video showing current status of Euston approaches has been posted, rather looks like an abandoned building site in places. Negligible evidence of anything being constructed At current time.

What a wasteland. What a waste. Welcome to GB.

 

[hwl]

A new drone video showing current status of Euston approaches has been posted, rather looks like an abandoned building site in places. Negligible evidence of anything being constructed At current time.

There are annual government wide capex limits hence cash is being prioritised elsewhere on HS2 and across government.
The next major stage is reliant on the utilities firm diverting the utilities from Hampstead Road to Granby Road (always one of the slowest bits on any NR bridge job) and HS2 widening the Hampstead Road alignment to divert traffic so the existing carriageways and pavements can be dug up (the tram rails were tarmac'ed over and there is a lot of history to remove under the surface) followed by piling and new bridge deck construction.

 

[erikvd28]

Barhale to extend utilities work around Euston as HS2 enabling works continue | New Civil Engineer

The civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist will extend a multi‑utility corridor that was installed during an earlier phase of

www.newcivilengineer.com

Barhale has been appointed to carry out a new phase of utilities works around the planned London Euston terminus for the High Speed 2 (HS2) after being awarded the work by HS2 station construction partner Mace Dragados.

Government puts firms on notice for £360m Euston masterplan role

Five-year job to cover design and engineering work on mainline station and surrounding mixed-use district

www.bdonline.co.uk

 

[Snow1964]

Seems something is happening at Euston, as HS2 has published notice of large loads being moved to (or from) Euston early November, that due to their size need to be moved at night when roads are quieter

High Speed Two (HS2) is the new high speed railway for Britain.
Large load deliveries and collections
Large loads will be delivered to, or collected from, our worksite via
Hampstead Road gate and the Vehicle Holding Area on the following

• Saturday 1 November 2025
• Tuesday 4 November 2025
• Wednesday 5 November 2025

Wednesday 5 November 2025, between 5am and 6am
What to expect
For safety reasons, these loads need to be moved at night or early in
the morning outside peak traffic hours.
Due to the size and weight of these loads there may be occasions
where our approved lorry routes are not suitable, and the haulier
may need to use alternative roads. Our traffic management team will
be present to assist the haulier to safely navigate the route.

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ESB00133-U-251030-Large-loads-delivery-update.pdf

 

[chris2]

Camden council have just announced intent to establish an LLDC for the Euston site. Interested to understand more about the implications of this on the plans, ie will Camden’s approach be sympathetic to the idea of leaving space for future station capacity, or will they be eyeing the land and looking to constrain the station to its minimum viable size?

Camden Council has set out its intention to establish a locally led urban development corporation (LLDC) for Euston - working closely with the Mayor of London to create a new body that would drive the regeneration of the Euston area - creating thousands of jobs, new homes and economic growth for the UK.

The Leader of Camden Council, Cllr Richard Olszewski, said it would be “a game-changer” that will “write the next chapter in Euston’s vibrant history” and deliver national growth alongside benefits for local communities.

The proposal, which is set to go to Camden’s Cabinet on 12 November, builds on independent research that found that regeneration in Euston can deliver:

• Up to 2,500 new homes, including affordable homes
• £41 billion to the national economy by 2053
• 34,000 new jobs, including in the Knowledge Quarter - London’s global cluster for cutting-edge innovation that is shaping the future of life science, healthcare, technology and AI

https://news.camden.gov.uk/camden-c...on-to-lead-development-corporation-at-euston/

 

[Recessio]

Camden council have just announced intent to establish an LLDC for the Euston site. Interested to understand more about the implications of this on the plans, ie will Camden’s approach be sympathetic to the idea of leaving space for future station capacity, or will they be eyeing the land and looking to constrain the station to its minimum viable size?



https://news.camden.gov.uk/camden-c...on-to-lead-development-corporation-at-euston/

Would an LLDC be similar to the Docklands or Legacy (former Olympic Park) development corporations? Because I thought those (or at least the Docklands one) was pretty separated from the local authorities, yet here it seems Camden would play a big role?

 

[Nottingham59]

will Camden’s approach be sympathetic to the idea of leaving space for future station capacity, or will they be eyeing the land and looking to constrain the station to its minimum viable size?

I would expect anything council sponsored to maximise the immediate financial benefit and leave no space at all for future capacity increases

 

[hwl]

I would expect anything council sponsored to maximise the immediate financial benefit and leave no space at all for future capacity increases

I would expect the boundaries of what they can influence to be very carefully defined and DfT will be a mayor stakeholder.
The current aim as I understand is is to redevelop the existing station as well as building the HS2 station. This is good for LB Camden as whole site rebuild is needed to maximise the potential for oversite development as there is not that much potential above a 10/11 platform HS2 station (especially with protected site lines).

This will also be a poisoned chalice for Camden as they are promising quick planning and building (over 15 years) which won't go down well with the local Nimbys.

 

[Geogregor]

More exhumations at Euston:

https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/hs2-begin-digging-up-the-bodies-near-euston-station-again

 

[WWTownEnth]

Does anyone know when the tunnel drives from OOC to Euston are likely to commence. I had heard from a reliable source that the TBMs are now assembled and in the process of commissioning.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Does anyone know when the tunnel drives from OOC to Euston are likely to commence. I had heard from a reliable source that the TBMs are now assembled and in the process of commissioning.

I think "next spring" is the nearest estimate.
It will depend on progress with the main OOC station build, as they are using the logistics tunnel built for the Euston drives to expedite the OOC build.
The TBMs will probably be ready and waiting before then.

 

[Russel]

What is happening outside of Euston currently?

The grassed area in front of the taxi rank that was tidied up earlier this year has now had the grass removed (or destroyed) and the black metal decorative fencing has been removed and palletised..

 

[chris2]

Euston Approaches update for 2026

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-conten...-251212-Works-from-January-to-summer-2026.pdf

Some interesting nuggets that caught my attention:

Hampstead Road bridge enabling works
We need to extend Hampstead Road bridge to pass over the newly excavated and extended railway cutting. We will build a temporary road to the east of Hampstead Road, over the area known as Zone 5 to maintain uninterrupted traffic flows on Hampstead Road while we complete this work. We need to install piles throughout Zone 5, to support the temporary road which will be in place for approximately two years. Ahead of this, from 1 April 2026, we will set up the site, including installing our site office and welfare building with connections to mains power.

Parkway utility works
We need to divert and protect the utilities beneath Parkway before we begin tunnelling in 2027. From February to September 2026, we will close lanes, footpaths, and suspend parking bays on Parkway, Albert Street and Delancey Street.

Works restarting in Euston Scissor Box
Following the HS2 programme reset earlier in 2025, we will now restart works at track-level to build the foundations and other support structures for the Euston Scissor Box. We are also completing work to protect the Network Rail retaining wall, ahead of major excavations beginning in 2027. From Monday 26 January, we will install a tower crane in Euston Scissor Box area.

All sounds like good progress to me - we know the TBMs are in the ground at OOC and should be starting soon, but at the Euston end, a whole load of work is required to connect the end of the TBM drives to the station throat, so it's good to see this ramping up too.

I'd be interested if anyone can elaborate on what the 'Parkway...tunnelling in 2027' in middle quote above means - is this referring to the arrival of the TBMs, or a separate tunnelling phase?

 

[Fazaar1889]

When's the next design of Euston station due by?

 

[WWTownEnth]

When's the next design of Euston station due by?

I would imagine only after the TBMs have begun their drive. The entire commercial feasibility of the Euston project depends on those tunnels being built before a penny is spent on the station design. Even with the TBMs in the ground at OOC there is too much political risk in this project for anyone to spend money until the drive has actually started.

 

[Snow1964]

I'd be interested if anyone can elaborate on what the 'Parkway...tunnelling in 2027' in middle quote above means - is this referring to the arrival of the TBMs, or a separate tunnelling phase?

Parkway is the name of a road which runs from Camden Town station to top of Regents Park (near London zoo)

There are 3 tunnels due to be built in the area, the southbound tunnel splits into 2 and approaches the Euston throat from the outsides. Departing trains feed a tunnel in the centre. The idea is to minimise conflicting moves.

Clearly the northbound and southbound tunnel have to be at different levels if one of the southbound needs to cross the northbound tunnel, so near where they cross, potentially will be more ground disturbance. Close to Euston approaches the tunnels are not very deep (think of them as a ramp into station approaches, although not ramps).

Clearly one TBM cannot suddenly split into 2, so one of the TBMs either needs to be disassembled and reused for the other part from the southbound junction, or need to dig it with a road header. Cannot remember what plan is, but don't think the junction access shaft was big enough for TBM launch or retrieval (you could drop it back into sections and turn it 180 degrees in Euston approach, then work back to junction).

 

[Geogregor]

Clearly one TBM cannot suddenly split into 2, so one of the TBMs either needs to be disassembled and reused for the other part from the southbound junction, or need to dig it with a road header. Cannot remember what plan is, but don't think the junction access shaft was big enough for TBM launch or retrieval (you could drop it back into sections and turn it 180 degrees in Euston approach, then work back to junction).

Those three tunnels into Euston won't be done by the TBMs but by spray concrete lining technique. TBMs will end their drive in underground cavern from which those three tunnels will start.

 

[chris2]

Those three tunnels into Euston won't be done by the TBMs but by spray concrete lining technique. TBMs will end their drive in underground cavern from which those three tunnels will start.

That makes sense, thanks for the info