HS2 Ltd has published updated designs for the Canterbury Works vent shaft headhouse, which will be located in South Kilburn, London.
The compound will consist of four structures which will provide ventilation and emergency access to the 4.5-mile Euston Tunnel between HS2’s London terminus – Euston – and Old Oak Common. HS2 Ltd has published the designs as part of a virtual engagement event for local residents.
Canterbury Works Headhouse
The materials proposed for the headhouse are grey engineering brick and grey softwood timber. It will be situated behind Canterbury Road and Canterbury Terrace and be visible both from the existing railway lines and nearby properties.
The planting scheme around the headhouse is designed to encourage biodiversity. Furthermore, it will have a green roof.
The ventilation shaft will be 40 metres deep to reach the twin tunnels. Fans and other equipment will be located above ground to regulate the air and temperature in the tunnels, remove smoke should there be a fire and create and access path for emergency services.
“The HS2 line through London will be mostly underground in tunnels and this is one of the few visual manifestations of the railway between Euston and West Ruislip. Located on a brownfield site, we have been conscious of the proximity of local neighbours and views in developing the design and surrounding landscape. I hope that the design will be welcomed by the local community.”
The designs have been created by HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor SCS JV together with architects from Arup TYPSA STRABAG. Some of the design elements still need refining, for example the appearance of a security boundary wall around the perimeter of the headhouse.
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