Major earthworks have got underway to prepare the site for piling and foundations work to start in the Spring.

This will pave the way for main construction to start in the Summer on the £570m main station building.

During construction itself, hundreds of jobs will be created, including an estimated 100 new entrant roles, new apprenticeship positions and Restart scheme opportunities for unemployed people.

Sir Jon Thompson, executive chair of HS2, said: “This is a major milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands.

“As work ramps up over the coming months, many jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain opportunities will be on offer – building on the economic benefits already making an impact in the region as a result of HS2.”

Jason Millett, Mace Dragados JV Board Director, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing industry-leading ideas, innovations and expertise from across our international construction and consultancy teams to deliver this landmark station for the West Midlands.”

The station will deliver excellent connectivity to Eastside and Digbeth to enable wider regeneration in the area.

There will be seamless connections to the local transport network including buses and the Midland Metro with a tram line running alongside and under the station, connecting the city with Digbeth.

Birmingham City Council’s Curzon Street Investment Plan will see £724m spent on regenerating the area around the new station.

The scheme will take place over 30 years, leading to the creation of several new neighbourhoods across almost 150 hectares, including 4,000 homes and 36,000 jobs.

HS2 worked with WSP and Grimshaw Architects LLP on the design for Curzon Street, which is inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers