Euston: protestors and platforms

High Speed 2

High Speed 2 has had a presence at Euston for years. In front of the station HS2 teams have dismantled a couple of tower blocks and built a temporary taxi rank. HS2 contractors and hoardings can be seen by anyone using the station.

So news in late January that protesters against the scheme had managed to build a tunnel out front, apparently without the authorities catching on, raised eyebrows. Even in lockdown, this is the heart of London – one of the capital’s busiest stations with bus and taxi interchanges plus the heaving Euston Road almost on its doorstep. Not to mention all those hard hats and support teams getting things ready for the HS2 build.

The oversight appears to have occurred because HS2 has only recently secured access to part of Euston Square Gardens. HS2 Ltd served notice on the London Borough of Camden, Transport for London and Network Rail in mid-December to allow it to take possession of the land and subsequently exercised its right to possession – using powers conferred by the High Speed Rail (London-West Midlands) Act 2017 – on Wednesday 27 January.

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