Planning approval has recently been granted for the public realm surrounding HS2’s Curzon Street Station in Birmingham.
The proposals create a network of new civic spaces, green infrastructure, and pedestrian pathways around the station, intended to connect the city centre with Digbeth, Eastside, and the broader transport network.
The core of the plan features several new public spaces, such as Station Square at the main western entrance, Curzon Promenade along the station frontage, and the combined Curzon Square and New Canal Street Square at the eastern concourse.
Together, these spaces create a sequence of arrival, movement, and dwell, balancing the functional needs of a busy transport hub with the inviting characteristics of a city landscape.
Grant Associates worked as landscape architect within the wider design team led by AWJV (a joint venture between Arcadis and WSP), alongside Grimshaw as architect and Mace Dragados as main works contractor, supporting the public realm design.
The project is also intended to act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Birmingham’s Eastside, supporting new development and establishing a strong civic framework for future growth.
The landscape is designed to support both movement and pause. Large civic spaces accommodate events and gatherings, while smaller gardens, terraces, and shaded seating areas offer more intimate places to rest and spend time.
The design also responds strongly to the site’s heritage context, particularly the historic Old Curzon Street Station and surrounding railway structures, using landscape to frame views, reveal historic alignments and create a distinctive sense of place.
Inclusive design has been embedded throughout, ensuring the public realm is accessible, legible and welcoming for all users, with step-free routes, clear wayfinding and a strong emphasis on comfort and a sense of safety.
The scheme reflects a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that brings together architecture, engineering, and landscape to deliver a coherent, high-quality public realm.