Summary of responses - HS2 Euston station design development survey (June/July 2017) Summary This document summarises the comments received following two community drop-in events that were held at the HS2 in Euston centre on 29 June and 1 July 2017. The events focussed on the design development of the HS2 station at Euston, within the context of the area surrounding the current station. Information boards were displayed at the event to prompt views on the HS2 station design. Using a survey, community views were sought on the following three themes: 1. HS2 station & transport interchanges 2. Open space & public realm 3. Streets & connections The survey was available to complete either online or to hand in at the HS2 in Euston centre. In total 25 responses were received, comprising 17 online responses, six paper surveys and two responses that were emailed. The respondents included residents, businesses and local community/business groups. Of the responses received from groups, these included the Camden HS2 Association of Resident Groups for Engagement (CHARGE) on behalf of 11 residents groups in Camden (Annex A), the Camden Civic Society (Annex B) and the Euston Town Business Improvement District/Camden Town Unlimited. CHARGE provided a statement of priority stating that the highest priority must be given to helping, supporting, and improving amenity for local communities, and to celebrating, protecting and enhancing the context of local heritage assets, green parks and gardens. A table of all responses is shown in Annex C. HS2 station & transport interchanges Q1. In the AP3 scheme, the concourses were located in the centre of the HS2 station and entrances from the street were proposed to the north, south and east. What are you views on where the station entrances should be located and providing a combined concourse for HS2 and Network Rail? Summary of Entrances to the south, west and north of the HS2 station were generally supported (example given of St responses: Pancras station with entrances to the sides of the station). Entrance to east through NR should considered It was suggested there should be an entrance to the London Underground from the HS2 concourse The need to give priority to the entrances/exits nearest to the London Underground was raised Integration with the Network Rail station and ability to cross between the two stations was highlighted to provide a connection from the west of the station to Somerstown in the east The concept of a combined concourse with the Network Rail was generally supported Concern was raised about the busy station affecting quiet nearby residential streets and that vehicles accessing the north should only be for servicing Recommendation for many entrances CHARGE suggested the following: o Entrances should be aligned with the street grid o Combined concourse welcomed, but not at expense of green open space o Main entrance should be in the south and not hidden behind development o Northern entrance should not detract from the existing quality of Mornington Crescent Q2. What should we bear in mind when designing the location of the bus stops/stands, taxi drop-off/pick-up points, and cycle routes/ parking? Summary of General: responses: o Need to consider ease and safety of passage for all users and all abilities, and separation of traffic flow between station users and non-users Buses: o General view that a bus station was preferable to make use easier by station users/tourists o Current bus station needs improvement o Avoid buses double-backing or taking tight corners. Current routes out of bus station add journey times o Bus station to the south should be larger o Keep bus station in the current location (ie. near to trains), and make it one-way to minimise land take from Euston Square gardens 1 o Bus stops should be well-lit and airy, with plenty of seats. Suggest an attendant o Transport interchange similar to Amsterdam Central stations suggested Taxis: o Should be able to drop-off passengers and pick-up straight away to avoid queuing o Need disabled access o Consider private car/private hire/uber drop-off/pick-up and future proofing for driverless cars o Local residents should be considered – suggest ranks away from residential areas with direct access to Euston Road. Front of station suggested. o Suggestion for reduced area for taxis to encourage cycling and walking o Where possible taxi drop-off/pick-up should be places on overdeck or below buildings to increase green open space, particularly underground as they’re likely to be non-polluting by 2033 o Taxi drop-off provided on both sides of the station o Attendant suggested to manage flows Cycling: o Encouraging cycling is important – need dedicated space for cyclists/cycle paths and ample, simple, obvious and secure cycle storage o Cycle routes should allow efficient travel in the area without comprising safety of other users o Minimise pollution for pedestrians and cyclists o Need to consider visual appearance of cycle parking and easy access for cyclists to enter the station Open space & public realm Q3. What type of spaces should we provide when designing new and replacement public realm and open space? (eg. planting, trees, grass, hard surfaces) Summary of CHARGE suggested the replacement for St James’ gardens should be on real ground and not on overdeck, to responses: allow large trees to grow. It should include the surviving remnant of the gardens. In re-providing open space, provide a natural and green space like a proper garden that isn’t exposed to wind, surrounded by vehicles/beside a major road. Should be an emphasis on traditional street materials Camden Civic Society commented on the footprint of Euston Square gardens being sacrosanct – original (or copied) railings should surround the full perimeter with a hedge. Soft landscaping preferred. Trees in planters not acceptable as replacements Need to consider safe access to replacement open space Green spaces should be prioritised and other open spaces should be a green as possible, minimising hard landscaping Plant lots of trees, which should be given scope to grow as large as possible Clear and wide paths to entrances that encourage segregated movement (ie. walking on left) Provide a green roof on the station HS2 station should be surrounded by a layer of trees Spaces should be to interact with and not just look at Examples: o British Library (although more greenery would improve) o King’s Cross (wide open space, lounging areas and places to buy food/drink) o Paddington Central (use of grass and trees and useful and effective walkways) o Jubilee Gardens (use of grass to outline paths you want people to take) Q4. What else should we consider when designing the public realm and open space? Summary of General suggestions include consideration for trees (including consideration of air quality), grass to sit on, responses: benches, public art, performance space, heritage, providing publicly owned spaces, places to relax, play space and ensuring accessibility (including ramps) CHARGE suggested need to prioritise green open space and recognise differing needs of residents and commuters when designing open space and keeping the different areas separate and accessible to local community. Forecourts should be large enough to ensure they don’t become congested. Safe play areas east of Hampstead Road to replace those lost in St James’s gardens Open spaces outside station entrances were suggested by the Euston Town BID to encourage station users to step out of station into local community Camden Civic Society suggested dignified and clearly defined walking routes to the station (not triumphal avenue), with food outlets kept clear of main pedestrian routes. Well-chosen good quality permanently installed public art The history of Euston (and connection with the areas it serves) should be respected, including a modern version of the Euston Arch forming an entrance was suggested Provide flexible open space that can be used by local businesses (markets, fairs, performance) The creation of quiet areas to relax and providing open spaces that have ‘space’ 2 Make it easier to cross Euston Road (‘green’ pedestrian bridge or ‘bury’ Euston Road into a tunnel) The Euston Tap and Cider Tap (lodges in Euston Sq gardens) should be retained Pop-up shops & a bike repair shop Respecting the respective areas of Bloomsbury and Camden Areas should be safe and well-lit Provision of toilets and spaces for somewhere to spend whilst waiting for a train Garden between station and Euston Road not sensible as nobody will use the space for relaxation due to the road Streets & connections Q5. In providing north-south and east-west connections across the HS2 station, what should we consider? (eg. location of connections, covered/uncovered routes, active frontages along connections) Summary Routes north-south and east-west should be at the same height throughout of CHARGE is concerned that east-west links will be badly compromised if Network Rail platform are responses: not lowered. There should be no level change east of the current station boundary. Routes should avoid residential estates. The north-south connection is welcomed if it is amenable to walking/cycling not congested with station users Camden Civic Society commented on the need for an entrance from the station to link with Phoenix Road and that routes through the station are not used as replacement open space instead of actual parks and gardens Passengers should also be able to walk across the station – suggestion to lower Network Rail platforms Need a connection to HS1 that avoids Euston Road (Phoenix Road or an underground walkway) Uncovered routes to help feel part of the city. Covered routes are unpopular if security is poor Nothing planned should detract from the amount of public green space and trees Routes should be light and airy, well signposted and lit.