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More than 12 years since it was first proposed, Crossrail 2 may finally start to become a reality. Well, part of it, at least.
If you’re not quite up to speed, Crossrail 2 (CR2) is north and south London’s proposed answer to the Elizabeth line (AKA Crossrail 1). CR2 was mooted way, way back in 2013 and has come up against countless controversies and consultations. Right now, the plan is for it to go from Epsom in the south to Broxbourne to the north, going via Dalston, Angel, Clapham Junction and Wimbledon, but it hasn’t been officially approved. The plans are still subject to change.
The first part of CR2 is now officially set to be built as part of the British Library’s upcoming £1.1 billion expansion. Stick with us. The library’s huge expansion – which was awarded planning permission earlier this year – includes a large new office building on land that is safeguarded for the railway’s future Euston/St Pancras station. So, the project’s developers agreed to build the Crossrail 2 elements in the basement of that building at the same time.
Now, the developer has now granted a construction contract for the British Library project and the adjoining CR2 facilities to Mace. Those facilities will include a deep shaft at the western end, going down from street level through six underground levels to the future railway tunnels. They’ll also include an underground pedestrian passageway that’ll provide a route between the new CR2 station platform and the ticket hall expected to be built under Midland Road. The image below gives you a better idea of how it’ll be laid out.
Jason Millett, Mace Group’s chief executive said: ‘We are delighted to be selected as construction manager for the British Library development proposals. This is a high-profile project with international significance and Mace’s long-established expertise and track record in delivering other major schemes make us well placed for this role.’
Work on the British Library is expected to start in 2026 and the project will take around six years. That means that, if everything goes smoothly, the first part of Crossrail 2 will be likely complete by 2032. When that’s all finished, that part of the building will remain empty until the rest of the railway is given the go ahead. It’s not yet clear when (or if) that will be, though.
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