Lead spokesman for HS2 Ltd tells readers of the Ham&High why the High Speed 2 rail project is good news for Camden.

Readers of the Ham&High will be well aware that Camden borough is an area key to the High Speed 2 project. It is also one that featured significantly in a new report on the scheme published earlier this week.

The report, HS2 Plus, was the result of new HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins’s eight-week review of the project. Sir David firmly believes HS2 can act as a catalyst for change on a national and local level.

It is clear that Camden is one such area that stands to benefit from HS2 in terms of the jobs, homes, development and opportunities it presents.

The report makes the case for capitalising on the chance to create a new, larger Euston station, which not only makes greater sense from a transport perspective but would also transform the surrounding neighbourhood.

We have seen how similar developments at King’s Cross, St Pancras and now London Bridge have regenerated their respective areas, and redevelopment of Euston on the scale suggested, and the accompanying commercial growth, would be a huge boon.

More people using Euston and its surrounding area would generate substantial investment and have a positive effect on the local economy. The regeneration would include new mixed public housing, retail and private development.The existing station looks tired and is nearing its sell-by date. It deserves better and the local community deserves better. Restoring the landmark Euston arch would also significantly improve the appearance of the neighbourhood.

Hopefully this vision can become a reality and HS2 Ltd can look forward to continue working with Camden Council, the community, and other stakeholders, to ensure the full potential of a regenerated Euston is realised and the borough is able to get the most from its associated benefits. Likewise, we will work closely with them to mitigate and minimise any disruption during the development.

The report also recommends the removal of the planned HS1-HS2 link that presented a limited solution to link the two high speed lines. While the recommendations made in the report are currently just that, the initial reaction has been encouraging.