A FORMER British Rail director is calling for the Government to think again about the London terminus of HS2, saying that Stratford would make a better hub than Euston, particularly as two of the platforms at Stratford International are currently unused.
Southeastern High Speed trains call at two of the four platforms, but the original vision for the £210 million station as an additional stop for Eurostar or other continental services has yet to be realised.
Current plans for Phase 1 of HS2 connecting London and Birmingham include a major new hub in west London at Old Oak Common, where there would be an interchange with Crossrail, and a High Speed terminus at Euston.
Although the case in favour of Euston includes regeneration in the area, opponents have expressed concern about the disruptive effects of the project in a busy part of central London, which will include the demolition of more than 200 homes, and also the ability of the Underground to deal with HS2 traffic.
Now Dick Keegan, who is a former director of projects at British Rail with more than 50 years' experience in the railway industry, has said he believes Stratford would provide better links to airports and continental Europe.
The Department for Transport has defended the current plans, which have been prepared by government-owned developers HS2 Ltd, saying Euston had been selected after a 'careful review' which included local development prospects.
Meanwhile, the countdown is on for the publication of the details of Phase 2, which will take HS2 onwards from the West Midlands in two spurs – one to Manchester and the other to Leeds via the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Some reports are suggesting that a new wave of opposition will follow in affected areas en route.
The Department for Transport said transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin would be revealing the preferred routes for Phase 2 shortly, 'with a view to minimising the impact on local communities and the environment', and that 'any speculation ahead of this would be irresponsible'.
A decision is also awaited from the High Court about the case for a judicial review of Phase 1, which was presented by objectors in early December.