The transformation of Euston Station has taken a major step forward with the arrival of the first tower crane.

The project, which will be completed as part of the HS2 project, will deliver extra capacity to the station.

HS2 will now progress with the demolition of One Euston Square and Grant Thornton House, which stand above the entrance and exit to Euston's old underground taxi rank. It is expected to take 10 months to complete.

Early works contractor, a Costain and Skanska joint venture (CSjv), working with expert subcontractors McGee, are already hard at work, stripping out the interiors and erecting the scaffolding that will support acoustic screening around the buildings.


HS2's London Programme Director, Rob Carr said: "HS2 will transform Euston, delivering much-needed extra capacity and better journeys for the 44 million people who use the station every year. We are already hard at work, delivering essential pre-construction work, including archaeology, utility diversions and of course, the demolition of the two Euston towers.

"The opening of the new taxi rank and the delivery of the project's first tower crane is a significant milestone for HS2 and I would like to thank everyone involved in making it happen."

CSjv's Programe Director, Peter Jones said: "Costain and Skanska have successfully delivered many major infrastructure projects and are pleased to be delivering the HS2 enabling works programme in London. Our work continues to gather pace and constructing this temporary taxi rank to replace the underground taxi rank is vital to allow us to demolish the two large office towers at Euston."

These landmark steps come after the station’s new taxi rank was opened to the public on Sunday 06 January.

The new rank, delivered alongside TfL and Network Rail, has capacity for around 40 vehicles and has been designed to incorporate as many of the existing trees as possible.

(CM/MH)