The Government is reportedly set to approve the Euston station for HS2 later this month, in another twist in the planned terminus’ tale.
After months of speculation, it is now expected that Rachel Reeves will approve funding for the station in her first Budget as Chancellor.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak scrapped the second leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester last autumn due to spiralling costs.
He also said that the line would only stop at Euston if enough private investment could be found to fund the station.
But the new government appears poised to wave through the project amid fears that ending the line in Old Oak Common would lead to overcrowding on the Elizabeth line.
A government source told the Sunday Times: “HS2 just wouldn’t work if the terminus was not at Euston.
“The station is also well overdue for investment and has become a dystopian mess and stain on London.”
Alongside last year’s announcement that the second leg of the high speed line would be axed, it was announced that the Euston station would have six platforms, down from the 10 originally planned.
A report earlier in the summer found that this decision has cost the taxpayer £152.9 million, as HS2 was no longer expected to gain the economic benefit from the design work already completed for the larger station.
The Autumn Budget is due to take place on October 30.
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