Instead the existing station will simply be redeveloped to cut costs and disruption.
Plans published in January 2012 for the first phase of High Speed Two (HS2) between London and the West Midlands envisaged a complete rebuild of Euston Station, including all existing platforms.
“Community concerns have been raised about the potential disruption caused by the redevelopment of Euston Station,” said HS2 Ltd chief executive Alison Munro. “Following more work done by our engineers to find the best way to deliver best value for taxpayers, we have identified an option that we believe delivers great opportunities for the area while minimising the potential effects on local communities in Camden and on passengers.
“We are looking at an option for Euston station which would see new platforms built as part of an integrated, redeveloped station with a combined concourse, new western entrance and improved facilities across the integrated terminus.
“Economic work done as part of Camden Council’s plan for the area has demonstrated that there is a case for major redevelopment with the potential for commercial investment, and we want to look at these opportunities with Camden. We also realise the importance Camden Council places on over-station development, and our proposal for Euston enables this, with potential for future homes, businesses and open space.
“Whatever option is adopted, Euston would be the gateway to the Midlands and North with improved facilities for passengers and better connections with the Underground.”
The proposal HS2 Ltd has developed for Euston Station involves retaining platforms 1-15 (of Euston’s 18 platforms) at their current level with some modifications. This includes removing platforms 9 and 10 so that adjacent platforms can be lengthened – resulting in 13 long platforms. The station would be improved around them, with a new concourse. Eleven new platforms would be built for high speed trains next to the existing platforms.
However, Camden Council is not happy. Council leader Sarah Hayward said: "The new plans being put forward by HS2 Ltd amount to a shed being bolted on to an existing lean-to. Euston stands to have all of the blight with none of the benefits. There will be no regeneration or economic benefits while homes will be demolished, communities destroyed and businesses wiped out. This entire scheme is ill conceived and poorly planned - and Camden will bear the brunt of HS2's incompetence."
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