HS2 Design Panel chief selected

The HS2 Design Panel has been set up to help ensure that stations and other structures are in the vernacular of British railway engineering heritage and simultaneously do not scar the landscape. But its remit will be all encompassing.

The HS2 Design Panel will be headed by Sadie Morgan, who is a founding director of dRMM de Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects.

Sadie Morgan said: “Great design is integral to making sure that HS2 achieves its full potential, from the beginning to the end of the journey. This includes not only landscape and station design but the entire passenger experience. From website to way finding, ticketing to trains – the remit of the Design Panel will be all encompassing. We will deliver a project that everyone can be proud of, that speaks a national language yet respects regional dialects. Outstanding design will ensure a step-change in railway travel for this century and beyond.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This vital railway is a key part of our long-term economic plan. We want HS2 to make the country proud and show the world what great British design can do.”

HS2 chief executive Simon Kirby said: “I am extremely pleased that Sadie has joined HS2 to chair its Design Panel. As a founding director of her own architecture practice she clearly has the drive required to help us deliver HS2 as a world class high speed rail system.

“Great design will help enable HS2 to deliver the step change in rail travel in Britain, making it a transport mode of choice and draw people to train travel who do not currently consider it.”

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