Commitments
The Government's decision on HS2
On 11 February 2020 the Prime Minister announced that the building of HS2 will go ahead. You can read our response to the Government's decision here.
The Government also published the full report from the Oakervee Review. This was the independent review called by Government to examine the project.
Assurances
The council got nearly 150 commitments during the parliamentary process that will reduce the impact of HS2 on Camden. We are working to ensure HS2 Ltd meets its commitments and looks for ways to reduce the impact on Camden.
Compensation
During the passage of the Phase 1 Bill through Parliament, the House of Lords Select Committee recommended the provision of improved compensation to households in close proximity to prolonged HS2 construction activity.
HS2 Ltd has developed its "prolonged disturbance compensation scheme". If you are eligible for the scheme, you will be contacted in advance of the construction to discuss your options.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the compensation scheme, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk.
In 2018, Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council, engaged with HS2 Ltd to encourage community engagement. Read Councillor Gould's letter to HS2 Ltd's Chief Executive.
Replacement homes
Over 200 homes in the Euston area are earmarked for demolition by HS2 Ltd. We got funding from HS2 Ltd to build replacement housing for council tenants and resident leaseholders who lost their homes to HS2. These include residents in Silverdale, Eskdale and Ainsdale blocks on Regent’s Park Estate. There are also some in Cobourg Street and Melton Street.
In 2018 council tenants and resident leaseholders moved into replacement homes on the Regent's Park estate. Find out more.
We are urging the Government to give full guarantees on timescales and funding for the comprehensive redevelopment of Euston station, integrating plans for HS2, Network Rail, Crossrail 2 and London Underground stations.
Noise
We got HS2 Ltd to commit to provide noise insulation and ventilation packages. This is to 1,300 homes greatly affected by noise during construction. The council is ensuring HS2 Ltd uses the best methods to minimise noise.
On 24 June 2020, Councillor Danny Beales wrote to HS2 Ltd regarding noise insulation and construction works restarting during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read a copy of the letter here.
Traffic and pollution
We got commitments that will limit HS2 construction vehicle emissions, and continue to urge HS2 Ltd to look for ways to maximise materials transported by rail to reduce vehicles on our roads.
Trees
HS2 Ltd will fund the replacement of trees lost (around 500). We have planted 90 replacement trees and will plant a further 60 in winter 2018/19. HS2 Ltd is responsible for planting the remainder of trees (around 350) on land it owns.
Green space
Green space lost includes St James’s Gardens permanently, and Euston Square Gardens for the majority of construction. HS2 Ltd committed to providing quality replacement space, some of which will be replaced as part of the HS2 scheme. We got funding from HS2 Ltd to improve and create green spaces in impacted areas during the construction period. We asked residents for ideas for improvements in autumn and winter 2017. There will be further opportunities to get involved as individual projects develop.
See a copy of our Greening Phoenix Road community engagement report here. The summary report is also available here.
Parking
Availability of parking for residents and visitors will be reduced during construction. We are working hard to minimise disruption. We have identified alternatives for parking where places are taken away by construction works. Find out more about our plans for parking here.
Business and employment
HS2 Ltd will help businesses directly impacted by demolition to relocate, and support hundreds more close to construction.
Schools
HS2 Ltd promised measures to help pupils to concentrate on studies and ensure safety to and from school. We helped to get Maria Fidelis School onto one site to reduce impacts on the school. Building of the new school is well underway.
Support workers
We got funding from HS2 Ltd for support workers for vulnerable residents.
Temporary use of Maria Fidelis School
We approved plans for the temporary use of the vacant Maria Fidelis School site on North Gower Street during construction. Plans include creating temporary open space, and a Euston construction skills centre. This will help residents develop skills needed to access local job opportunities. We got £4.1 million from HS2 Ltd towards the centre, expected to open in 2020. Find out more about our plans for the Maria Fidelis site here.
New funding
We got £3.5 million for a Camden Fund from HS2 Ltd to support communities affected by HS2 construction. This launched in 2018. We have received £2.4 million from HS2 Ltd’s Road Safety Fund. We will work with residents and key organisations on safety schemes. Find out more about our safety schemes here.