A HUGE new train station is opening in the UK by 2029 and will be the ‘most connected in the country’
Old Oak Common will be a new HS2 station as part of the major expansion across the UK.
The station was predicted to cost £1.67billion back in 2019, although is expected to hit £2billion.
Inside will be 14 platforms – six below ground for HS2 trains, and eight above for other train lines such as Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line.
High speed trains will hit 220mph, connecting London to Birmingham via 400metre platforms that fit two trains.
However, the first stage of opening is expected to welcome the Elizabeth line first.
As many as 250,000 passengers are expected to use the train station when it opens fully by 2033.
It will even become one of the largest rail hubs in London, joining other major stations like London Liverpool Street and St Pancras.
The website calls the station a “new transport superhub”.
It says: “Old Oak Common Station will have some striking design features, including an impressive sequence of interlocking curved roof forms.
“These have been designed to enhance the open environment of the station and provide natural ventilation, which, along with occupancy and daylight sensors, will reduce energy consumption.”
Outside will be a large bus ad taxi zone, as well as walkways and cycle paths, EV charging stations and drop off points.
A huge public parkland will be outside as well with gardens, trees and wetland area.
Pop up events such as markets will take place as well.
Peter Gow, HS2 project director for Old Oak Common station said: “We will open between 2029 to 2033 [and] will aim for the front end of that but there are lots of things still to do.
“It’s going to make a massive difference to Londoners and nationally.”
Planning approval for the station was given back in 2020, with the first stage of construction starting the following year.
Next year the station roof will be constructed, while the high speed track will start being installed in 2026.
The UK’s busiest train station is undergoing a multi-billion renovation as well.
London Liverpool Street Station has revealed plans for new “landmark entrances” as well as more lounges, ticket barriers, escalators, cafes and restaurants.
Previous plans included a rooftop garden and pool although these have since been scrapped.
HS2, which stands for High Speed 2, is a project that aims to create a high-speed rail network between London and major cities in the Midlands and Northern England.
It is the biggest rail investment ever made in the North of England and is Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
New trains will run on HS2 lines with a top speed of 225 miles per hour – the aim is to cut journey times and make it easier to travel across England.
Last year, then-PM Rishi Sunak decided to scrap the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the line.
It is now hoped that the train will run to Euston despite dears this route would also be scrapped.
Currently welcoming up to 100million passengers, it is expected to reach 140million by 2030.
And a Leicester Train Station is currently undergoing a £17million revamp.
