Transport secretary approves HS2's first permanent 'super-hub' station

HS2 will begin permanent construction works on a 'super-hub' station in West London today (June 23) after getting approval from the transport secretary.

The permanent work will be the first of its kind done on a HS2 station, the scheme will create 2,300 jobs, organisers say.

This major HS2 project will take place at Old Oak Common in West London the site covers 10 hectares.

As well as creating over 1,000 jobs, government officials are promising a further 250 apprenticeships will become available during construction.

Transport secretary, Graham Shapps approval means that a 1.8km long underground diaphragm wall will be built around what will become the station’s ‘underground box’. Where six HS2 platforms will sit to accommodate trains going to and from, the Midlands and the North. Piling rigs will also install 160 reinforced concrete columns inside the wall to help form the box and support the structure.

The transport secretary said: "The start of permanent works at the largest train station ever built in the UK in one go, Old Oak Common, marks yet more progress in delivering HS2, the high-speed, high-capacity and low carbon railway that will form the backbone of our national transport network.

“This ‘super-hub’ station shows our Plan for Jobs in action - kickstarting major regeneration, creating 2,300 jobs and 250 apprenticeships in construction – and underlines this Government’s determination to Build Back Better."

The Old Oak Common station on completion will have 14 new platforms going to the North, Midlands, crossrail, and to Wales and the South West.

Following the first phase of construction to create the 750,000m3 box, work on the eight overground platforms will begin. Over 1600 concrete piles will be installed into the ground on which the station superstructure and overground platforms will sit.

HS2 is planning to build a station roof the size of three football pitches. A spokesperson advises that a: "lightweight roof structure has been designed to minimize the use of materials and allow as much natural light in, which reduces the carbon impact of the station."

Solar panels will cover the roof, design development has been led by engineering professional services consultancy WSP with architectural support from WilkinsonEyre.

Other planned features include: 73,000 tonnes of steel, 13,000 square metres of glass, 2,720 square metres of solar panels on the roof, 53 lifts and 44 escalators, 550 cycle spaces and 10,000 energy efficient LED light bulbs.