Tenderstream members Grimshaw & Grant Associates part of design team for new civic space

Planning approval has been granted for the public realm surrounding HS2’s Curzon Street Station in Birmingham, with Tenderstream members Grimshaw and Grant Associates part of the design team led by AWJV (a joint venture between Arcadis and WSP) supporting the public realm design. The overall scheme reflects a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, bringing together architecture, engineering and landscaping. The proposals establish a network of civic spaces, green infrastructure, and pedestrian routes around the station, set to connect the city centre with Digbeth, Eastside, and the wider transport network. 

A key driver of the design is connectivity, establishing clear routes for walking and cycling, while strengthening transport links to help support regeneration and economic growth. At the heart of the scheme is a series of new public spaces, including Station Square at the main western entrance, Curzon Promenade running along the station frontage, and the combined Curzon Square and New Canal Street Square at the eastern concourse. The larger spaces allow for events and gatherings, while smaller gardens, terraces and shaded seating areas provide more intimate places to rest and spend time. 

Across the site, planting enhances biodiversity and urban resilience, with a diverse mix of species and habitats, alongside features such as rain gardens, woodland areas and integrated ecological measures. Curzon Promenade forms a central green spine defined by tree planting, lawns and rain gardens. The design also responds to the site’s heritage context, particularly the historic station building and the surrounding railway structures. Landscape is used to frame views, reveal historic alignments, and create a sense of place. 

Danny Nagle, Associate Director at Grant Associates, states: “The landscape is designed to connect people and places, while also creating moments to pause, gather and experience nature within a major transport environment. Just as importantly, it establishes a framework that can help support the wider regeneration of Eastside – creating the conditions for future development and a strong, legible and welcoming part of Birmingham.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 12.04.2017 here

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