High Speed Two (HS2) has announced the start of construction works on the new railway station at Curzon Street in central Birmingham, England, UK. 

The station is designed to enhance connectivity in Eastside and Digbeth within the city, fostering broader regeneration in these areas.  

It will integrate seamlessly with the local transport network, including buses and the Midland Metro tramline, which will run alongside and beneath the station, linking the city with Digbeth. 

The station, set to be net-zero carbon in operation, reportedly marks the first new intercity terminus station in England since the 1800s.  

The Mace Dragados joint venture (MDJV) has been collaborating with HS2 since 2021 to refine the construction programme. 

The MDJV is set to initiate earthworks this month to prepare the site for the upcoming piling and foundations phase thereafter.

Construction of the main station building is scheduled to begin in mid-2024.

HS2 collaborated with WSP and Grimshaw Architects to design the station, drawing inspiration from the arched roofs of Victorian railway pioneers. 

The design prioritises accessibility, open space, and landscaping. 

Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce the journey time from London Euston to Birmingham to just 49 minutes.  

Trains will continue northward to cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow via the existing rail network.  

MDJV board director Jason Millett said: “Aside from the benefits of improved rail travel for millions of people across the region, the station will drive urban regeneration, connect communities, create long-term employment, and proudly stand as a hive of activity in the heart of a booming city centre.” 

The project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, including approximately 100 roles for new entrants, apprenticeships, and restart scheme opportunities for the unemployed.