HS2 appoints 45 people to review design

Panel includes architects, landscape designers and community engagement professionals

The government has appointed 45 people to an independent panel that will advise on the design of the High Speed 2 rail project.

The panel, which includes five engineers, was originally intended to have 30 members when recruitment began in July. It includes people who specialise in urban and landscape design; 'equality, diversity and inclusion' issues and digital services design.

HS2 said it was unsure yet on the cost of the panel, but has previously said members will be awarded a daily stipend, with the number of days worked expected to grow as the project progresses.

HS2 said: “The panel can be thought of a pool of expertise looking at all aspects of the design, with a focus on the stations and infrastructure. The design of HS2 has so many different aspects, we don't want to miss anything out. People investing in HS2 deserve the best design.”

The panel, the full list of members of which is here, is being chaired by Sadie Morgan, director of architecture firm dRMM. It will be formed into “regional site-specific” groups and aim to apply principles from High Speed 2's (HS2) Design Vision.

Morgan said: “Our aim is to mentor and inspire HS2 to design a transformational railway system which will exceed all of our expectations. The British creative and engineering industry is already delivering outstanding examples of design excellence around the world. HS2 is a huge opportunity to bring that brilliance home.”

Construction of the first phase of HS2, which will run between London and Birmingham, is due to start in 2017 and complete in 2026 at an estimated cost of £50 billion. The last high speed rail line to be built in the UK, HS1, was designed and built by London & Continental Railways, a consortium that included Bechtel, Arup , Halcrow and Systra, with no independent design review panel.

HS2 key stats:

• 330 miles of new track

• 9 HS2 stations – 4 new stations

• Up to 18 trains per hour in each direction, running on HS2 and existing lines

• Up to 225 mph

• Budget of £42.6 billion, including £14.4 billion contingency