Updated designs for the West Midlands' two HS2 stations have been released today as a fresh round of public information events begins.
The CGIs and new animated videos (see above and below) showcase how Curzon Street in Birmingham city centre and Interchange in Solihull could look.
The release comes just a day after the project was at the top of news agenda again following the leak of the Douglas Oakervee review into the high-speed rail scheme.
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The review, due to be published officially in the coming weeks, suggests the Government ploughs on with the project but that further discussions over certain aspects are required.
HS2 said the revised designs for the two stations had been informed by its consultation held last autumn and it was aiming to make them as environmentally friendly as possible.
They have been designed to focus on open space and landscaping, according to the HS2, and will both be net zero carbon in operation, including capturing rainwater and sustainable power generation.
The designs for the stations will be on display at various locations over the coming fortnight - see below for full details.
WSP and Grimshaw Architects are behind Curzon Street while Arup has designed Interchange.
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The next event will take place from 8.30am to 10.30am on Thursday January 23 at Regus Victoria Square, One Victoria Square, in Birmingham city centre - the modern office space which is inspiring business success.
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One of the changes at Interchange station will see the creation of a dedicated pedestrian access into the station from the east of the railway, along with cycle access to the new station from the north, west and south-east through a mixture of dedicated routes.
Initial designs for a new automated people carrier, capable of moving up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction between Interchange, the NEC campus and Birmingham Airport, were unveiled last July.
Chris Hayter, WSP project director, said: "The new Curzon Street station design harmoniously ingrates architecture and engineering in the true tradition of our great railway stations, bringing the passenger experience up-to-date with modern traveller expectations, in keeping with Birmingham's ongoing transformation.
"With its open and naturally-lit concourse and dwell spaces allowing easy movement for customers and visitors alike, the station will be as much a destination and meeting place as a functioning station."
Kim Quazi, Arup's lead architect, added: "The design of HS2 Interchange has been influenced by its unique rural setting on the edge of a built-up, urban area and its glass facade will offer expansive views over the surrounding landscape.
"The striking roof design will maximise the use of natural daylight to create a light, bright and airy interior that is easy to navigate even during the busiest of periods."
Don’t miss
The new designs for Curzon Street station will be on display in Birmingham at:
- January 16 to 23, Millennium Point, Curzon Street
- January 27 to February 1, New Street station
The design team will available to discuss the project in person at the following times:
- Monday January 20, 11am to 3pm at Millennium Point
- Tuesday January 28, 4pm to 7pm at New Street station
The new designs for Interchange station and the people mover will be on display in Solihull and Coleshill at:
- Tuesday January 21, 11am to 3pm at Melbicks Garden Centre, Coleshill
- Wednesday January 22, 11am to 3pm, in front of halls 1-5 at the NEC, Solihull
- Thursday January 23, 4pm to 7pm, in the concourse area of Birmingham International station, Solihull
- Friday January 24, 2pm to 6pm: Touchwood, Solihull town centre