HawkinsBrown unveils plans for timber transport hub in Solihull

HawkinsBrown has unveiled plans for a timber extension to Solihull Station in the West MidlandsThe scheme will upgrade the 1938 station, adding a public concourse and facilities as well as an internal garden. A widened underpass and enlarged lifts will improve access to platforms.It will also feature onsite energy generation, electric vehicle charging, biodiverse planning and ‘energy efficient systems’, according to HawkinsBrown.The project is being led by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, working with Transport for West Midlands and Network Rail, and is separate from Arup’s plans for an HS2 interchange station in Solihull.More than two million people passed through the station every year before the pandemic – with the figure forecast to rise to three million. HawkinsBrown said despite a coronavirus-induced drop in passenger numbers, overall station use was still ‘on course to increase dramatically’.Designs for the station have been unveiled ahead of a public consultation, which launches on Monday (19 July), with construction only due to start in 2024 and finish in 2026.Solihull cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure Ken Hawkins said: ‘I’m delighted that we’re able to reveal and share the emerging design for the innovative redesign of Solihull Station.