The new contracts will help to develop and refine the detailed plans for the four stations, due to open in 2026.

WSP UK Limited has received the contract for Birmingham Curzon Street – in partnership with Grimshaw Architects LLP – as well as the contract for Old Oak Common where they will be working with Wilkinson Eyre Architects Limited.

Ove Arup & Partners International Limited has won the contract for the Birmingham Interchange – working with Arup Associates and Wilkinson Eyre Architects Limited – as well as the contract for London Euston, in partnership with Grimshaw Architects LLP.

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The winning firms have worked on a number of large international infrastructure projects, including Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Eden Project in Cornwall, Biljmer Arena station in the Netherlands and the new concourse at London’s King’s Cross station.

The HS2 development has the potential to unlock 30,000 new homes and 130,000 jobs. 

Nusrat Ghani, the HS2 minister, said: “HS2 is a modern railway fit for Britain’s future, improving vital links between some of our country’s biggest cities, driving forward growth and significantly improving services for passengers with thousands more seats on faster trains.

“Appointing these leading creative firms ensures that passengers on our world-class railway will experience modern and accessible stations. 

“I am confident that these firms will deliver these projects at value for money, with designs that are both innovative and in keeping with their surroundings.”