HS2 Birmingham and Solihull station designs revealed

Interchange station

Designs for two new HS2 stations in Birmingham and Solihull have been unveiled for the first time.

Curzon Street station, designed by WSP UK and Grimshaw Architects will be the first new intercity station built in Britain since the 19th century.

It is set to feature seven high-speed platforms when it opens in 2026. Fully integrated into an extended tram network, it will also offer pedestrian, cycle, taxi, bus and rail connections to the rest of the city and the West Midlands.

Curzon Street station

Meanwhile Interchange station, designed by Arup, will be a new major gateway station for the region, part of a new public transport interchange serving Solihull, the West Midlands, Birmingham Airport and the NEC.

HS2 is also considering a number of extra elements to the scheme put forward by the Urban Growth Company (UGC) which aim to maximise the opportunities for Interchange  station to act as a catalyst for growth.

HS2 CEO, Mark Thurston, said: “Preparatory work for the stations is well under way, with a variety of enabling works including the construction of access roads and archaeological investigations.

“As part of our plans to deliver a ‘green corridor’ across the whole route, we’re also creating new ecological habitats, community and amenity spaces to help integrate the new line and our stations into the surrounding landscape and environment. All of this activity is already creating job opportunities not just in the region, but across the whole country.”

Curzon Street station

Carol Stitchman, WSP design manager on Curzon Street, said: “As well as being a catalyst for regeneration, the new HS2 Curzon Street station will become a landmark destination, welcoming people to the heart of Birmingham. Our design recognises the station’s function as a place of arrival and connection. It is the only HS2 station that welcomes you with a view of the city, where you can see the city from the train, and the train from the city.”

Interchange station

Kim Quazi, lead architect, Arup, for Interchange station said: “Interchange station sits within a unique setting, on the edge of the urban landscape in a currently rural location. The station building has been designed to reflect its surroundings and in context with the natural landscape and topography.

“The station roof has been designed to fit in with the surrounding landscape, and to optimise natural daylight using an integrated, efficient structural form and rainwater management system. We have also focused on a number of objectives including creating a positive experience for future users and rail passengers by including open space, parkland and views to green spaces, and constructing a green building with low energy consumption and low maintenance.”

A series of engagement events with the public for both stations will run through October.