Government Sounds Out Private Sector on Reviving HS2 Euston Station

The government has launched an early-stage market exercise to gauge private sector interest in delivering a new HS2 station at Euston.

According to a preliminary market engagement document issued last week, the Department for Transport plans to appoint a private partner using a design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) model. Under this approach, the selected firm would take responsibility for the detailed design and construction of the HS2 Euston station, as well as its long-term maintenance throughout the contract period.

Plans for the Euston station were originally paused nearly three years ago under the previous Conservative administration. Despite this, the project has long been expected to return, particularly as HS2’s current London terminus remains Old Oak Common in west London.

Under the interim operating arrangement — previously described by former National Infrastructure Commission chair John Armitt as a “shuttle service” — passengers would need to change trains at Old Oak Common to reach central London, a solution widely viewed as less than ideal.

In its engagement note, the DfT said it is seeking early input from the market to help shape a commercially viable DBFM proposal. The department added that the objective is to develop an investable model that allocates risk effectively while delivering value for money.