HS2’s Euston Station will have a gold or bronze roof as architects unveiled new plans for the major north London terminus on Wednesday.
The plans feature a “geometric roof design” which architects hope will become an “identifying feature” of the station and maximise natural light into the concourse.
Under the updated proposals, the station will be completed in one stage rather than two.
The HS2 station will be set across three levels under the plans, with ten subsurface platforms.
HS2 Minister, Andrew Stephenson MP, said: “The arrival of HS2 at Euston provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an iconic destination in the area, that will help us build back better by growing not just the economy of London but that of the UK.
“This station will not only benefit the local community by enabling the comprehensive redevelopment of the area but will serve as a transport super hub acting as a gateway to the Midlands and the North – enabling us to deliver better railways across the nation sooner than under previous plans.”
HS2 said it intends to run up 17 high speed trains per hour serving the Midlands and the North.
There will be 50,000 train seats across the three-hour morning peak.
A new underground ticket hall, with direct connections to Euston Square, will be created under the proposals.
Declan McCafferty, Partner at Grimshaw Architects, which was involved in the plans, said: “The scale of the new HS2 London Euston station means we have the opportunity to create a new truly public civic space for London, a place that responds to transport and passenger needs and becomes part of the existing urban fabric and community.
“The 300-metre long station hall sits at the heart of this approach, creating a space that is permeable, accessible and open and connects to the local streets and neighbourhoods through green, pedestrian-oriented spaces.”