HS2 Old Oak Common Station receives planning approval

Credit: HS2 Ltd.

The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has announced that it approved the planning application for Old Oak Common Station, HS2 Ltd’s west-London super hub, on 19 May 2020. The planning approval means that work can now begin to progress on building what is expected to be the largest new railway station to ever be built in the UK.

The plan outlines the inclusion of 14 platforms at the station – a mix of six high speed and eight conventional service platforms, with a 850m-long station box and a volume to fit 6,300 Routemaster buses.

HS2 Ltd’s Stations Director, Matthew Botelle, said: “The planning approval for the Old Oak Common super-hub station is an important milestone in the delivery of Britain’s new world-class low carbon railway. Building a new railway station for the UK on this scale and size will be an incredible achievement for British engineering. HS2 is set to be a catalyst to transform this area of West London, making it one of the best connected development sites in the UK. We will continue to work with OPDC and other local partners to ensure that this opportunity is maximised.”

The HS2 Old Oak Common Station will incorporate some striking design features, such as an impressive sequence of interlocking curved roof forms which has been designed to enhance the open environment of the station and provide natural ventilation, minimising the need for long term energy consumption.

Additionally, the arch forms reduce the need for columns to support the roof and provide clear sight lines, allowing views across the station to help visitors orientate themselves.

When operational, the station is estimated to be used by up to 250,000 passengers each day and is set to become one of the busiest railway stations in the country. It will provide seamless connectivity with conventional rail services through eight conventional train platforms, which will be served by the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), Heathrow Express and trains to Wales and the West of England.

The station design has a sufficiently sized concourse and platform space to accommodate: Passenger growth to 2041 and beyond; provision of a dedicated bus and taxi facility; dedicated drop-off and pickup areas; pedestrian and cycle links; and upgraded highway infrastructure, comprising of a new traffic signalised junction.

New public spaces are also being created as part of the design, including a new public square directly outside the station. It will include seating and cycle parking, whilst also providing the opportunity to be used as a setting for public artwork.

The HS2 station will be a catalyst and gateway for Old Oak and Park Royal, one of the largest regeneration sites in the UK.  Plans to transform the wider area around the station, a former railway and industrial site, are being led by the OPDC, which projects that the area around the new HS2 station will become a neighbourhood with the potential to create tens of thousands of homes and jobs.

Liz Peace, Chair of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, said: “The approval of HS2’s Old Oak Common Station design marks a significant milestone in the delivery of this nationally important project. The new station will unlock a huge regeneration opportunity, bringing billions of pounds of investment into the local community and the wider UK economy. Now, more so than ever, the delivery of new and affordable homes and jobs at Old Oak and Park Royal is needed to capitalise on the unrivalled connectivity that HS2 will bring. By working closely with key stakeholders and partners – including HS2, the local London Boroughs and Network Rail – while listening to and collaborating with local people, we can make sure these public benefits are realised.”