HS2 could still link with Europe from West Midlands
Dreams of a direct train route from the Midlands to continental Europe could still become a reality.
HS2 bosses have revealed a seventh platform – previously earmarked for international journeys – will be built at Birmingham's planned Curzon Street station.
The platform was originally designed to carry high-speed trains direct to Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam.
But HS2 bosses cut a link between the new £55.7 billion rail line and the Channel Tunnel to save costs.
However, plans for services to the continent could in the future be revived because they plan to go ahead with a seventh platform at Curzon Street.
HS2 Ltd told the Express & Star the seventh platform was to 'future proof' the station and allow the option to run more domestic services or introduce international journeys at a later stage.
The spokesman added that it would be up to the Department for Transport if it wanted to link HS2 with the Channel Tunnel line, now known as HS1.
The hunt for designers for the two new HS2 West Midlands stations at Curzon Street and Birmingham Airport was launched last week.
In its tender, HS2 confirmed Curzon Street will have seven rail platforms.
It also means passport control booths could be built at Curzon Street to ensure the station can run international journeys but also link to Birmingham Airport.
Even if a direct rail journey is not possible, it is hoped passengers may be able to start their journeys abroad at the Birmingham stations by going through passport control at Curzon Street or the Interchange station near the airport.
Andy Street, the Conservative candidate for the West Midlands Mayor and former Greater Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "It's vital that the West Midlands has a gateway to Europe and having passport controls at stations linked to not only the Eurotunnel network but also potentially the reconfigured airport would be a huge benefit, particularly for our business community.
"Inevitably, the detail of the HS2 project is still very fluid, but it's vital we do everything we can and now is the time to be doing it.
"As Mayor I will be looking for every possible way to ensure we can fully maximise the benefits of HS2."
It is planned that £130 million will be spent linking up the Midland Metro tram with the high speed rail station in Birmingham City Centre.
