Described as the ‘beating heart of HS2 in London’, the vast 30-acre site near Willesden Junction in the capital has been officially opened by HS2 Ltd, with operations already well underway to begin its crucial role in processing materials coming both in and out of the major infrastructure project. The hub has been constructed and is to be operated by Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor, and aims to take one million lorry movements off UK roads during its operational lifespan.
As part of this, it will be the site where earth removed from the 26 miles of tunnelling taking place in and around London for HS2 will be processed, as well as where critical construction materials such as precast tunnel segment rings are delivered. A total of 5.6 million tonnes of earth is required to be excavated to construct HS2’s London tunnels. After being processed at the Willesden site, it will then be taken by train to three UK locations to be put to beneficial reuse, such as filling voids which will then be used as a basis for redevelopment, such as housebuilding.