High Speed Two (HS2) and UCL: an update

High Speed Two (HS2) is the proposed new rail link between London (Euston) and Birmingham (with later phases planned to extend the link to Manchester and Leeds).

Royal assent for HS2 was enacted in early 2017 and, as a result, we can expect major works to commence around London Euston in the next 12 months. 

The development of HS2 will involve the demolition of a number of buildings to the north of Euston Road, some of which are currently occupied by UCL. Plans to relocate those departments that occupy the buildings affected are in hand. More information will be communicated locally and via our UCL staff and student e-newsletters.

In addition, the main impact on UCL from the HS2 operations will be likely be felt to the south of Euston Road as a result of increased demolition and construction activity. UCL has secured an Assurance from HS2 to provide mitigation against the environmental and associated impacts, such as noise and increased traffic, arising from the HS2 programme, and we will be monitoring adherence to that Assurance.

The first work that is likely to be noticeable is a groundworks investigation, which will take place outside Drayton House. This will involve sinking one or more 200mm diameter boreholes to a depth of around 40 metres. Some noise is anticipated when the support casings are inserted into each borehole; UCL is in negotiation with HS2 for this work to be scheduled so as to cause minimum disruption to staff and students. This will be followed later in the spring with the partial closure of the north end of Gordon Street and the formation of construction compound. Major works on Euston Square Gardens will begin in 2018.

It is important that UCL maintains ongoing dialogue with HS2 in order to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of the construction programme. UCL has therefore appointed an interim HS2 Liaison Contact to act as our liaison with the HS2 project, and he will monitor and report on compliance by HS2 with the conditions of the Assurance to mitigate the environmental impacts arising from their works. 

UCL will also be working with the Liaison Contact to develop and roll out a stakeholder engagement programme across those parts of the institution that may potentially be affected. The programme will enable us to communicate information about HS2, but also to engage with members of the UCL community and ensure that we are well briefed on the needs of the various parts of UCL in our dialogue with HS2.

Rex Knight, Vice-Provost (Operations)