HS2 Curzon Street Station

HS2 Curzon Street Station forms a key part of the HS2 programme, connecting Birmingham City Centre to London. In 2021, Mace Dragados JV (MDJV) was appointed Construction Partner, and Keltbray was engaged to deliver both the early enabling works and the subsequent main piling works package for the station footprint. 

The early works package prepared the 100,000m² site for piling and foundations and included a full site strip, bulk reduced‑level excavation, formation of haul roads, berm removal and construction of the piling mat. Extensive utilities and services works were undertaken, including redundant utility removals, trial pits, drainage remediation, permanent drainage installation and protection of live services. 

Keltbray also constructed 86 linear metres of contiguous retaining wall, using 880/780mm diameter fully cased rotary bored piles, interfacing with live Network Rail assets, followed by construction of the reinforced concrete capping beam and bulk excavation of approximately 46,000m³. 

In August 2024, Keltbray was awarded the main piling works package, comprising detailed design coordination and the installation of permanent and temporary piling works across the station footprint (circa 50,000m²). The scope includes installation of 1050mm diameter secant piled retaining walls with capping beams and approximately 2.000 piles ranging from 900–1200mm diameter, delivered using Keltbray’s in‑house piling expertise and large‑scale piling plant. 

Throughout the works, Keltbray has worked collaboratively with MDJV to maintain programme certainty, manage high‑volume logistics and deliver strong HSEQW, sustainability and social value outcomes, exceeding targets for local employment, apprenticeships and training. 

Key Facts 

• Retaining walls: 86m contiguous wall (880/780mm dia) 390m secant wall (1050mm dia) 
• Excavation volumes: Early works: ~46,000m³ 
• Piling plant: SR95 and SR75 rigs 

Project outcomes

• 2000 bearing piles. Around 200 bearing piles are being installed across the station footprint.
• Main piling works awarded. Keltbray was awarded the main piling works package in August 2024.
• Exceeding social value targets. Targets for local employment, apprenticeships and training have been exceeded.