The HS2 west-London super hub, Old Oak Common, has had its planning application approved by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation yesterday.
Work can now progress on building what is set to be the largest new railway station ever built in the UK. The station will feature 14 platforms, six of which will be for high speed services. It will also have an 850m long station box, with a volume to fit 6,300 Routemaster buses.
The artist impressions indicate the station will feature many modern design elements, such as interlocking curved roof forms, designed to support the open environment with natural ventilation in a bid to reduce long-term energy consumption.
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The arches shorten the need for columns to support the roof, lending themselves to better views across the station.
The station will have 14 platforms, a mix of six high speed and eight conventional service platforms, with a 850m long station box, with a volume to fit 6,300 Routemaster buses.
It is estimated that the Old Oak Common station will be used by around 250,000 passengers each day, which will make it one of the busiest railway stations in the UK.
The routes will be served by the Elizabeth Line, Heathrow Express and trains to Wales and the West of England.
Included in the planning permission is a dedicated bus and taxi facility, drop-off and pickup areas, pedestrian and cycle links, improved highway infrastructure and new public spaces directly outside the station.
‘Incredible achievement for British engineering’
Matthew Botelle, HS2 Ltd’s Stations Director 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.”
Liz Peace, Chair of OPDC 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.”
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