High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd has launched a new competition for developers and architects to submit design proposals for four new stations on the multi-billion pound project.

The successful companies will work alongside HS2 Ltd to develop and refine plans for three new stations at Birmingham Curzon Street, Birmingham Interchange and London's Old Oak Common. In addition, a separate contest has been launched to find a Master Development Partner to advise on, and later take forward, the expansion of London Euston.

The three new stations will serve tens of thousands of new passengers once operational, providing easy and accessible onward connections to local transport, airports and connecting rail services as well as step-free access from street to seat.

In addition, the Master Development Partner will help draw up development opportunities for new homes, offices and retail space above and around the revamped London Euston. Up to 21 hecatres of development space could be unlocked by the scheme, as well as improving accessibility and creating new public and green spaces across the wider Euston site. The station design work will be split into four packages.

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Welcoming the competitions launch, Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: "The search for design teams to produce plans for new stations and world-class amenities for London Euston, Old Oak Common, Birmingham Interchange and Birmingham Curzon Street stations is a major step towards making HS2 a catalyst for growth across the country.

"The winning bidders will need to ensure the stations provide the best possible customer experience. There are also huge opportunities for development near all the HS2 stations. HS2 Ltd is progressing its search for a partner to deliver new homes, shops and offices around Euston station once the core HS2 work is complete."

HS2 Ltd Commercial Development Director Tom Venner said: "Euston has been the gateway to the nation and the nation's capital for over a century. HS2 provides the opportunity for it to continue that role into the next century - and for the local community to be proud of that role.

"Together with our development partner, we aim to redevelop Euston in a way that will make it not just the nation's hub, but London's as well, the heartbeat of both the nation and the capital, fit for the 21st century and beyond."

Bidders for the station designs and the Euston Master Development Partner are expected to be shortlisted in the summer, with contracts signed early next year.

(LM)