Plans for a radically redesigned Euston station have been unveiled as part of proposals for the HS2 rail link.
The new design, which will be submitted to parliament next week, would create an entire new station alongside the existing Euston while also connecting up Euston and Euston Square underground stations.
Six new platforms have been proposed, stretching out to the west as far as Coburg Street. The development work would also include the rebuilding of five existing platforms. A major new entrance to Euston station would sit directly to the west of the current entrance, on a site currently occupied by Sainsbury's.
The plans, produced by HS2 Ltd. would also include major upgrades to London Underground connections and the existing Euston site, including new shops, restaurants and cafes.
The new high-speed station would be delivered in two stages -- phase one, complete by 2026, would include the construction of six platforms for HS2 and other inter-city services between London the the Midlands and the building of a new concourse. High-speed services operated by the likes of Virgin would also use these platforms.
Phase two, complete by 2033 would focus on the construction of five further high speed platforms for services running between London, Leeds and Manchester.
The new high-speed section of Euston would eventually form one giant concourse with the existing Euston, with 22 platforms in total. The plans also allow for a potential connection with Crossrail 2, should the proposed Surrey-London-Hertfordshire rail link be approved.
The HS2 proposals would be in addition to Network Rail's ongoing redevelopment of the existing Euston station, due for completion by the end of 2015.
The original Euston station opened in 1837 and was London's first inter-city train station. The current station, which was constructed in 1968, saw the demolition of a grand arch to make way for new platforms.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
