HS2’s Euston Station May Be Designed With Expansion in Mind

HS2’s proposed terminus at Euston could be built in a way that allows for future expansion, according to newly released records from senior project meetings held earlier this year.

Minutes from the Euston Partnership Board, published quietly in late December, detail discussions that took place between April and July 2025. Among them is confirmation that ministers had given early approval to examine how the station could be “futureproofed” as part of its design.

The documents stop short of explaining exactly what this would involve, but previous proposals have included constructing a station shell capable of accommodating a larger number of platforms than initially required. Under this scenario, only the platforms needed for HS2 services between London and Birmingham would open at first, while additional capacity would be safeguarded for any later extensions of the high-speed network.

Keeping that option open would allow the railway to grow if political support and funding return in the future. Advocates of expansion point to experience with projects such as the Elizabeth line, where demand and public backing strengthened once services were operational.

There has been long-standing concern that a reduced station footprint at Euston could permanently restrict HS2’s reach. Any move to protect space for further platforms would help prevent that outcome and suggest a longer-term view of the railway’s potential.

The meeting records also show wider discussions about the regeneration of the Euston area. Board members considered whether some housing developments linked to the scheme could be delivered earlier than planned, rather than waiting for the station to be completed. Elsewhere, early ambitions were noted to improve Eversholt Street, although these remain aspirational.

In May, the Board reviewed early design concepts for upgrading the London Underground station at Euston, focusing on improving passenger circulation. At this stage, planners have yet to settle on a preferred solution for how travellers will move between Underground services and the mainline station.

Work is also progressing to reduce the impact of HS2 construction on surrounding streets. One of the existing railway lines, Track 17, is being adapted to move construction materials by rail, with the possible addition of Platform 16 at a later stage to further limit road traffic in the Camden area.

A broader strategic presentation in June set out a long-term vision for Euston, centred on its role as a major transport hub alongside its links to education, research and established neighbourhoods. A public communications programme is being prepared to explain how the future station and surrounding development will take shape.

By July, attention had turned to the emerging masterplan for the area, which aims to deliver a balanced mix of homes, workplaces, retail space and public realm.

The goal is to create a place where people spend time, rather than a location defined solely by movement and interchange.

While final approval for the HS2 station at Euston has yet to be granted, preparatory works are continuing. A key milestone is expected in early 2026, when two tunnel boring machines are due to begin excavating the tunnels linking Old Oak Common and Euston, marking the next phase of progress on the project.