All six high-speed platforms are being installed at the same time, with construction taking place from either end of the station box. They are laid out as three ‘island’ style blocks.

To construct the platforms, 1.59m high invert walls, have been poured before 1,960 pre-cast concrete slabs, measuring up to 4m by 2m, are then lifted into place on top.

The pre-cast concrete slabs are being made offsite by Explore Manufacturing while the station is being constructed by Balfour Beatty VINCI SYTRA (BBVS JV).

The structure of the huge 850m long underground station box at Old Oak Common was completed this year, including the 45,000 sq m base slab.

Steve O’Sullivan, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Project Director at HS2 Old Oak Common station, said: “The installation of the first high-speed platforms at Old Oak Common marks a defining moment in the delivery of HS2.

“It’s a powerful symbol of progress, not just in terms of engineering, but also highlights the change in project focus from the current civil phase of the works to the building, fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health phase of the works. Our teams at BBVS are proud to be laying the foundations of what will become one of the UK’s most important interchange transport hubs.”

Later this year, HS2 will begin installation of the eight platforms that will be used by conventional rail services – the Great Western, Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express.

When complete, the station will be one of the best connected in the UK, with the potential to reach over 100 stations in the UK and being the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth Line.

The BBVS JV team is also working a level above the base slab where the platform construction is taking place to construct the ground floor level of the station. From there  the superstructure of the station can be built.

Tunnelling work to connect the station to the HS2 network is being undertaken by Skanska Costain STRABAG JV.

In the eastern section of the underground box, the team are preparing to launch two giant tunnelling machines towards Euston. In the western side of the box, the team will excavate a short tunnel connecting the station to the Victoria Road Crossover Box nearby using the sprayed concrete lining method. From there the new high speed line will run through the Northolt Tunnel.