Euston developer rejects Berkeley claim

Rail

The company appointed to oversee the redevelopment of Euston station and its surroundings has rejected Lord Berkeley’s claim that the firm may walk away from the project. 

Lendlease was appointed development partner for Euston in 2018, with a view to delivering the redevelopment of 54 hectares of land after construction to accommodate HS2 services is completed (LTT 05 Mar 18). 

Berkeley, a critic of the HS2 project, wrote to HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson last month saying word had reached him that Lendlease “wishes to terminate its development agreement on the grounds of engineering design uncertainty and escalating cost” (LTT 03 Apr).  

But Lendlease has told LTT that Berkeley’s claim was “not correct”. A spokeswoman added: “Investment in major infrastructure unlocks enormous opportunities for regeneration, economic and social benefits within the local Euston area, across London and the wider UK. We look forward to learning more about the Government's plans and will continue to work with our partners, including the wider community, to progress this unique opportunity.”

Doug Oakervee’s review of HS2 for the Government, published in February, said the existing HS2 plans for Euston were “not satisfactory”. 

“Historically, there has been limited joined-up thinking between HS2 Ltd and Network Rail to optimise the railway design to minimise both risk and cost,” he said. “Euston should be viewed as one station and not the two at present to ensure it is delivered in a cost-efficient and passenger-friendly way.

“In essence, there needs to be a single plan for the overall Euston project and a single organisation responsible for the overall development of the project.” The Government has accepted Oakervee’s recommendation that HS2 Ltd should not lead the project.