High Speed 2

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High Speed 2 overview 

Here you will find regular updates and information on HS2 - a high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham - what it means for Camden and what we’re doing in response.

Please see the latest news for the most recent developments including the latest HS2 consultations.

We remain strongly opposed to HS2 and are doing all we can to ensure that the impacts of the scheme are minimised and the concerns of our local communities are heard at the highest level.

The impacts in Camden

The recommended route for HS2 would run from a rebuilt Euston station.

The borough will suffer a decade of blight, noise and disruption if HS2 goes ahead.

Construction work on the line would mean that:

• a minimum of 216 Camden homes are demolished - more than double the 107 homes set to be lost along the rest of the line
• a further 264 Camden homes are at risk of demolition
• at least 20 business premises, in Drummond Street for example, will be destroyed
• a variety of listed buildings and open spaces – including approximately 60% of St James’ Gardens - will be lost
• the Maria Fidelis School will be significantly impacted because of it’s location.

Study to assess and identify the cost of HS2 in Camden

The total cost to Camden is hard to quantify, but it has been estimated that it could be in the region of £1billion. Some of the costs, such as the demolition of hundreds of homes are tangible and are relatively easy to quantify. Others, such as the more general blight to the area caused by a project of this magnitude and the impact on people’s lives are less obvious, may only become apparent over time and are therefore more difficult to put a financial value on.

From an initial tendering exercise at the end of 2012 the Council was unable to make an appointment. A revised brief, that can be viewed below, was subsequently sent to selected consultants.

• download: Cost of HS2 in Camden revised project brief

Following a re-tender, a consortium led by the London office of Lambert Smith Hampton (which includes Regeneris and Pell Fischmann) has been appointed to undertake the True Costs Study of HS2 for the Council. The team began work in January 2013 and the indicative timetable suggests the final study report will be published in April 2013.

More information

You can find more information about HS2 on their website and the Department for Transport website

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Page last updated May 17, 2013 4:45 PM