Curzon Street’s concrete foundations underway
Work has begun on installing 2,000 vertical concrete piles at the Curzon Street Station site in Birmingham, a key part of the HS2 high-speed rail project. These foundation columns will support the station building and platforms, as well as its basement walls.
The work, led by Mace Dragados Joint Venture (MDJV), covers a 100,000-square-metre site and uses three piling rigs, each weighing 95 tonnes and standing 30 metres tall. The team, comprising 80 workers, is supported by companies including UK engineering firm Keltbray.
Dave Lock, project client director for HS2, said: “This is a great milestone for the project and means we will soon see this new landmark building take shape. We’re now well on the way to building the region’s new rail hub.”
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker visited the site, marking his first visit to an HS2 construction project. He praised the station’s future role in transforming Birmingham’s connectivity and creating opportunities: “The work happening at Curzon Street Station is impressive, and it’s going to be a major part of our city’s future. It’s also exciting to see so many young people, especially apprentices, getting hands-on experience in construction.”
Since January, MDJV has prepared the site with earthworks and temporary platforms for the rigs. The piling operation, due to finish by mid-2025, will support the construction of retaining walls, including one adjacent to the Victorian railway wall near the West Coast Main Line.
Martyn Woodhouse, MDJV’s project director, highlighted the importance of the foundation phase: “Once the foundations are complete, we’re looking forward to starting construction of the station building, which will create more jobs, apprenticeships, and supply chain opportunities.”
Currently, 18 apprentices are working on-site, with recruitment efforts targeting local residents, including the unemployed. Gerard Smith, skills and employment lead at MDJV, said they are aiming for 100 apprenticeships and continuing to collaborate with local partners.
Once completed, Curzon Street Station will provide connections to the Midland Metro tram network and local bus services, alongside new public spaces. It is expected to play a major role in reducing journey times and easing congestion on the West Coast Main Line.
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