'Get on with high-speed railway': Historic Birmingham rail station restoration plans approved by HS2 with urgent message to the government

Proposals by HS2 to restore the old Curzon Street Station in Birmingham have been approved – but the government has been urged to ‘get on with the high-speed railway’.

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter

The council’s planning committee yesterday considered plans for various repairs and works at the historic building, which is found near the new HS2 city centre terminus.

The revised design of the new station, which is set to become a key destination on the divisive HS2 line, was approved last year.

As work on this station in the heart of the city continues, an update has been issued on the old station building nearby – but it still remains unknown what its future use could be.

Opened in 1838, the station was the first direct railway line linking Birmingham to London and has been described as one of the world’s oldest surviving pieces of monumental railway architecture.

Plans were recently submitted by HS2 Ltd for the old station, which would include various external remedial repairs, roof renewal and other internal works.

A report, published ahead of yesterday’s meeting, said: “The primary purpose of these proposed works is to safeguard the Old Curzon Street Station building while incorporating measures to improve sustainability and thermal efficiency.”

“It is not the intention of this application to refurbish the building for re-occupation.

“The aim is to protect the structure, recognising the significance of the building and its interior, and to prevent further deterioration.”

Several Birmingham councillors welcomed the plans today, with Councillor Philip Davis describing old Curzon Street Station as a “really significant” building.

“It’s good to see the resource being dedicated by HS2,” he said.

Councillor Gareth Moore added: “It’s a refreshing change to hear about a listed building having investment.”

The restoration plans were given the green light but Councillor Lee Marsham, chair of the planning committee, issued a message to the government beforehand.

“What I will say is that I think the government needs to get on with HS2 at the quickest pace it can, at the best value for taxpayers,” he said.

“It’s also good to hear rumours that there may now be a new line going from Birmingham to Manchester.”

A council report published prior to the meeting acknowledged that the works could result in “some harm” to the Grade I listed building.

“However, these works are considered essential to safeguard the building’s long-term sustainability,” it said.

“Notwithstanding the fact that the scheme would result in a low level of ‘less than substantial harm’, the overarching aim of the proposal to conserve this significant and impressive building for the future is recognised.”

“The public benefits of conserving and restoring this landmark building significantly outweigh the limited harm identified,” it added.