• ELEVEN years after it was first mooted HS2 has now got a definite go-ahead. It’s been 11 long years of uncertainty, blight and anguish for residents, albeit with some key victories along the way.

These include scrapping of the HS1/HS2 link through Camden Town, removal of a proposed vent shaft at Rowley Way and the 100 plus assurances we secured together in parliament and now work relentlessly to ensure these are implemented by HS2.

While the go-ahead decision at least ends some of the uncertainty and the real risk of a decade, or more, of ongoing blight, HS2 Ltd must do a lot, lot, more to honour their commitments to mitigate construction disruption in Camden.

The HS2 review led by Douglas Oakervee, recognised what our community have known for some time, that disparate plans at Euston must be brought together so there is a joined-up approach to the stations.

Clearly doing nothing was no longer an option for Euston; families have already been moved, buildings demolished and huge disruption has taken place. A plan for long-term local investment is now vital.

Our number one focus at Euston is ensuring residents and the business community are put at the heart of future plans. We welcome a proposed “new delivery arrangement for Euston”, but for this to work, Camden needs to have a key seat around the table.

A single plan, for one integrated Euston station and surrounding development, must focus on locally accessible jobs and homes, new green spaces and new east-west routes connecting communities in Somers Town and Regent’s Park.

The Euston project must work with our communities and the development has to reduce inequality in Camden, not widen it. Camden will continue to work relentlessly to ensure this happens.

CLLR DANNY BEALES
Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities and an Inclusive Economy