Old Oak Common is the interchange station for HS2 as it enters London from the northwest, linking the high-speed line with conventional rail to the West of England, Wales, Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line and local transport connections.
WilkinsonEyre and WSP have now taken construction of the enormous two level station to site. A key part of the HS2 strategy, the station will be one of the largest transport interchanges in the country and the largest subsurface station ever built in the UK.
The designs accommodate a series of underground (high-speed) and surface (conventional) rail platforms including the Elizabeth Line, alongside a surface transport hub connecting to local bus and cycle networks to provide connectivity to the local area and Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration zone.
One of the UK’s largest redevelopment sites, the station will play a major part in the creation of a new west London neighbourhood, acting as a catalyst for regeneration and social infrastructure, unlocking up to 65,000 jobs and 25,500 new homes.
The architecture draws inspiration from the site’s industrial heritage and is characterised by a spectacular vaulted roof. Framing the central concourse, the vaults are integrated with an array of rooflights, providing excellent levels of natural light across the platforms and the means for natural ventilation. The energy strategy targets zero-carbon in use, enabled through ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.
The station design also facilitates a new east-west route linking Park Royal and Kensal Green and a new public space - three times the size of Trafalgar Square – with trees and green space accessible to local communities. The designs also anticipate the development of adjacent sites for future office or residential buildings.
The first image is credited to Pixel Flakes. The last image is credited to Grant Associates.
