Work on the HS2 rail project in west London has reached a new stage as six high-speed train platforms have now been completed at Old Oak Common station.
The platforms, located inside the station’s underground box, will accommodate HS2’s new fleet of trains operating between London, the West Midlands and further destinations north via the West Coast Main Line.
Construction of the platforms was managed by Balfour Beatty Vinci SYSTRA (BBVS) joint venture (JV), with subcontractor Expanded starting the process in April 2025.
BBVS JV project director Steve O'Sullivan said: “This achievement reflects the expertise of our multidisciplinary teams who have worked collaboratively to deliver one of the most technically challenging stations currently being built in the UK, drawing on world-class engineering, specialist knowledge and a shared commitment to excellence.”
The build began with the casting of 1.59m-high invert walls, followed by the installation of 1,946 pre-cast concrete slabs, each measuring up to 2m by 4m and weighing between 4t and 5t.
The platforms were constructed from both ends and joined in the middle to create three island-style blocks.
The design includes space underneath for the installation of services such as electricity.
Further interior work will now begin, including the addition of staff and equipment rooms, installation of lifts and escalators, and floor finishing.
Beyond the six completed underground platforms, eight ground-level platforms are also planned. These will serve the Elizabeth line, the Great Western Main Line, and Heathrow Express services.
Old Oak Common is set to be the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth line and will be able to connect passengers to more than 100 destinations.
HS2’s London tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG, is scheduled to extend the tunnels via the west wall of the underground box to link the station to the Northolt Tunnel.
Work continues on the Euston Tunnel to the east, where two tunnel boring machines launched from Old Oak Common earlier in the year are expected to reach Euston by 2027.
HS2 Old Oak Common area director Kim Kapur said: “Going into the underground box at Old Oak Common, you can immediately visualise how it will look as an operational station, including where passengers will board or alight HS2's brand new trains. The scale of the work – and the station now taking shape – is remarkable.”
HS2’s CEO Mark Wild continues to oversee a wider reorganisation of the project as construction at Old Oak Common gathers pace.
Economic research cited by HS2 claims that development around the station could generate 22,000 homes, about 693,000m² of commercial space, and nearly 19,000 jobs in the area, with the surrounding economic impact estimated at £10bn.
Old Oak Common’s design features interlocking roof sections intended to improve ventilation and reduce the need for supporting columns.
Plans for the finished station also include public green spaces, integrated transport links, and facilities for bus, taxi and cycling connections.
