Project Profile: HS2 Interchange Station, West Midlands

The HS2 Interchange Station is a critical multi-modal transport hub engineered for the UK’s High Speed Two (HS2) rail network. Located in Solihull, West Midlands, the station is designed as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure, achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating through advanced energy-efficient systems and ecological integration.

Technical Specifications

The station’s core infrastructure consists of two 415-meter island platforms with four platform faces, engineered to handle up to five high-speed trains per hour in each direction. Two central high-speed through lines are integrated into the design to permit non-stop services to pass through the station at full line speed, maximizing network capacity. A key engineering component is the 2.3 km driverless Automated People Mover (APM) system, which will link the station to Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), and Birmingham International Station. The APM will operate on a 3-minute frequency, with each 20-meter vehicle capable of transporting 2,100 passengers per hour per direction, completing the transit in approximately six minutes.

Sustainability is a core technical requirement, validated by its BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification. The design minimizes energy consumption through passive measures like natural ventilation and daylighting. The station’s energy profile is supported by a 2,000m² solar panel array for zero-carbon electricity generation, air source heat pumps, and high-efficiency LED lighting. Water management is addressed through a 150m³ rainwater harvesting system and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), including sunken rain gardens, which naturally manage surface water runoff and support local biodiversity.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Multi-Modal Hub: The station is engineered not just for high-speed rail but as a fully integrated transport interchange, connecting HS2 with national rail services, a major international airport, and the UK’s largest exhibition centre via a high-capacity APM system.
• Benchmark for Sustainable Design: As the first railway station globally to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification, it sets a new standard for environmentally responsible infrastructure, incorporating renewable energy, advanced water management, and ecological enhancements.
• Economic Catalyst for the Midlands: By drastically reducing journey times to London and other major UK cities, the Interchange Station is a critical component of the ‘UK Central’ economic growth plan, designed to attract investment and facilitate regional development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the HS2 Interchange Station open?

The HS2 Interchange Station is projected to become operational in 2026. It will serve as a key hub for the first phase of the UK’s high-speed rail network, connecting the West Midlands with London and forming a crucial part of the national transport infrastructure.

Who is building the HS2 Interchange Station?

The HS2 Interchange Station is a collaborative project. The design was led by the engineering firm Arup and Wilkinson Eyre Architects. The main construction works are being delivered by a joint venture between two leading infrastructure companies, Laing O’Rourke and Murphy.