HS2 is inviting Londoners and the wider public to give feedback on newly published designs for the Euston Portal headhouse.

HS2's London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), will build eight headhouses in London.

These headhouses sit above shafts which ventilate the tunnels for HS2 and provide emergency access.

Of the eight, the Euston portal headhouse will be closest to Euston station at the entrance to Euston tunnel. It will contain lifts, mechanical and electrical equipment, and in the event of an emergency will provide access to and from the track.

The structure is a modest size, in comparison to the scale of the cutting. It incorporates an acoustic barrier, or noise barrier, which will absorb noise from the operational railway, keeping any disturbance to the local community to a minimum.

Aerial view of Euston Portal Headhouse design facing Park Village East (credit: HS2).

The Euston Portal headhouse, designed by Design House – a joint venture between Arup, TYPSA, and STRABAG, is inspired by the local area in which it sits.

The surrounding area has a diverse mix of buildings from across different eras – from Victorian to post war styles.

Euston Portal Headhouse southbound view from Park Village East (credit: HS2).

The Euston Portal headhouse is located along Park Village East, south of Mornington Street Bridge in Camden.

The highest point of the building will be eight metres above ground level and a 3.2 metre wall will separate the critical safety infrastructure for HS2 from the road.

Greenery and shrubs will be planted around the headhouse, as well as on its roof, tying it in with existing greenery on Park Village East.

Euston Portal Headhouse design view northbound on Park Village East (credit: HS2).

The public are being asked to give their preferred option for the materials for the building.

Options include Staffordshire blue brick to match structures in the local area, or red brick to complement the brickwork seen on Park Village East.

For the access gate on Park Village East, the options are a timber effect or dark paint finish. The public are also being asked for any other suggestions on how the proposed design of the headhouse be improved.

Speaking about the proposals, Kay Hughes, Design Director for HS2 Ltd said: "HS2 is not only getting the technical aspects of the railway right, we are also ensuring that our buildings work with their surroundings in both scale and form.

"We have carefully considered how the building and the technical elements are integrated in a sensitive context between the railway and Park Village East.

"The community are being asked to give feedback on a range of materials for the building that will ensure it blends into the area."

Euston Portal Headhouse design view from West Coast Mainline (credit: HS2).

HS2 will be hosting some information events to present the designs and options to the local community.

There will be online events on 28 and 29 February, as well as in person drop in events held over lunchtime and early evening of 27 February, at the Surma Community Centre.

The local community and public are invited to give feedback on the designs through an online survey, via email or over the phone by 17 March 2024.

After the feedback has been considered, HS2 will provide details of how it responded in Spring 2024 before the final planning application (Schedule 17) is submitted to Camden Council for approval.

James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG JV said: "The Euston Portal headhouse designs mirror the vibrant history of this thriving part of central London, and we are thrilled to present the different design options to those living and working in the Euston area. 

"We look forward to drawing on local knowledge and expertise to shape the final design of the headhouse."

View of Euston Portal Headhouse from Mornington Terrace (credit: HS2).

Following the government's Network North announcement in October, alternative funding arrangements for the delivery of Euston station are being considered.

HS2's London Tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV, is continuing to progress with the design of the railway between Old Oak Common and Euston, including the design of headhouses.

More information about the designs and how to give feedback is available at www.hs2incamden.co.uk  

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