Construction starts on HS2’s Birmingham Curzon Street Station

Construction work has started on the Birmingham terminus of the HS2 line – a new rail hub that will play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands.

Curzon Street is a key part of phase one of the high-speed rail project, linking Birmingham and London.

The station is set to take five years to build, with the first services expected to run between 2029 and 2033.

According to the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), “Birmingham Curzon Street Station, which will be net zero carbon in operation, will be the first brand new intercity terminus station built in Britain since the 19th Century.”

Phase two of the route, between the West Midlands and Manchester, was scrapped by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in October.

Sunak said £36bn of funding from the cancelled northern leg would instead be put into alternative transport projects.

“During construction itself, hundreds of jobs will be created, including an estimated 100 new entrant roles, new apprenticeship positions and Restart scheme opportunities for unemployed people,” a WMCA statement added.

HS2 starts 2024 with a major milestone as five year station construction programme begins in central Birmingham. Curzon Street will be the first new inter-city terminus station built in Britain since the 19th Century.

Major earthworks will be carried out at the site from this month, with construction of the main building due to start in the summer.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Commencing construction on Curzon Street Station is a landmark moment for HS2, for our region and for the entire country. Building Curzon Street will create hundreds of jobs for local people and upgrade our rail infrastructure for the 21st Century.

“This brand new station is a clear example of the tangible benefits HS2 can deliver in the months and years ahead.”

Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport, Birmingham City Council said: “This is a landmark moment for Birmingham as the construction of Curzon Street Station begins. The construction of the station will see the creation of hundreds of new jobs and provide an important boost for our city’s economy.

“Curzon Street Station will be at the heart of our transformed city centre, with world class public realm linking the station with our metro and bus networks.

“The arrival of high speed trains to Curzon Street will be a huge moment in our city’s history, and the construction of the station brings that moment ever-closer.”

Once complete, HS2 is expected to cut Birmingham-to-London journey times from one hour, 21 minutes to 52 minutes.

WATCH | Aerial view of HS2’s Birmingham Curzon Street Station site: