Sidelines

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The Department for Transport website almost seized up this afternoon as literally dozens of mainly very large documents were released simultaneously as High Speed 2 rail plans were announced. The maps alone amounted to 45 large pdf files. A warning that download problems could occur was posted.

As always, looking at detailed maps is tricky to the untrained eye. Of immediate interest is the fact that development of Eastside / Curzon Street in Birmingham as a railway terminus is back on, so presumably several planning applications for land round there will stall for the time being. Birmingham City University's new campus could be involved.

Arup proposed a new Grand Central Station at Eastside to become Birmingham's main station in 2005. It looked like the idea was finished once New Street's major overhaul was confirmed, but things could potentially turn out very nicely for Birmingham, with a rejuvenated New Street and a brand new station.