HS2 is celebrating a major project milestone as the design of Euston's new London Underground vent shaft and substation gained council approval.

Designed by architects Weston Williamson + Partners, with William Matthews Associates, the four-storey cube draws inspiration from historic London Tube stations and will contain a substation and electrical equipment as well as a vent shaft for the Northern line.

Welcoming the milestone, HS2's Euston Programme Director, Rob Carr said: "HS2 will transform Euston and more than double the number of seats out of the station during peak hours. It will improve journeys for millions of people every year as well as unlocking opportunities for new homes, shops and jobs around the wider area.

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"The new vent shaft and substation will be one of the first things we build and it's important we get it right. I'm pleased that Camden has given us the green light and i hope this intriguing, functional and contemporary design will be welcomed by all those who live, work and travel through Euston."

The plans for the vent shaft were approved by the London Borough of Camden, the local planning authority, under Schedule 17 of the HS2 Act, subject to an agreement on suitable lighting. Its construction will allow the old vent shaft to be removed to make way for the new platforms.

A HS2 team made up of Costain and Skanska (CSjv) are managing the demolition of Wolfson House alongside sub-contractors John F Hunt to make way for the new shaft.

When complete, HS2 will more than double capacity at Euston, improving journeys for the 44 million people who use the station every year, as well as releasing space for extra commuter services into the capital.

(CM/JG)