Revised plans for Birmingham’s iconic HS2 Curzon Street station have been approved, featuring a significant design change where the timber-lined roof is replaced with copper-coloured aluminium panels.
The Mace Dragados JV, in collaboration with Arcadis, WSP, and lead architect Grimshaw, made the change to comply with stricter fire safety regulations and reduce future maintenance costs.
Birmingham City Council’s planning committee approved the revised design after considering a report that emphasized value for money, technical challenges, and engineering limitations as the main factors influencing the design adjustments.
The revamped interior features added cycle parking, improved accessibility, more seating, and streamlined platform access. A prominent southern entrance to the Eastern Concourse will also strengthen connections to Digbeth.
Significant earthworks are already in progress, with foundation work set to begin this autumn. Structural work is scheduled to start in 2026, followed by internal fit-out until the end of 2028.
Grimshaw partner Neven Sidor said: “The original design vision has not only been maintained but has also been enhanced. It is more robust, more efficient to build, and just as elegant.”
