As part of major regeneration works at Euston Station for HS2, a series of temporary canopied structures were constructed in 2019. The existing taxi rank was below the current station entrance and was closed to allow underground works to extend and construct station areas to access the new HS2 platforms. The temporary taxi rank will provide weather protection to passengers until the next phase will accommodate a redesign for this area of the station.
Having been hidden away underground for decades the new taxi rank provides a step-free, easily accessible point for passengers as an interchange from train to taxi at Euston and an improved provision for cyclists. The design phase of the works was co-ordinated by CSJV (Costain Skanska Joint Venture) and constructors and designers, Broxap and Costain. The final taxi rank design includes: new drop off and pick up points, cycle parking, mobility bays and ramp, and a new forecourt concourse to Euston station.
The combination of galvanized steel and translucent panels provide a simple robust temporary structure. This simple intervention has brought clarity and order to a site that had been disorientating for new arrivals at Euston Station since the start of HS2 works began at the site. The canopy structure naturally leads travellers out of the station, past the new taxi rank and out to Euston Road. Prior to 2020, Euston had over 200,000 passengers passing through the station, those numbers are now beginning to build again while work on HS2 continues to gather pace.
While the structure at Euston Station was always meant to be part of a temporary taxi rank solution, with the correct engineering, the bespoke canopy structures and shelters can be easily relocated. The reuse/relocation of the structures was an important aspect of the design solution for the client.
The simple but effective new canopy may not be to everyone’s taste, but it has provided a solution that works, especially as it can receive a new lease of life at a different site when its job has been completed at Euston.
1+3 | The combination of galvanized steel and translucent panels provide simple robust structures
2 | The new taxi rank provides an easily accessible point for passengers from train to taxi and improved provision for cyclists
Manufacturer | Broxap
Photos © Broxap
Image: Broxap