HS2 completes new Euston Skills Centre 

HS2 Ltd has handed over the new Euston Skills Centre (ESC) to Camden Council.

The new facility will support HS2’s strategic legacy around employment opportunities for local communities and people from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

The facility will also support workforce requirements for other infrastructure and housing in Camden.

HS2 is providing a total of £4.1 million for the delivery and to support the running of the ESC. Camden Council will be the sole operator of the facility.

The new centre is adjacent to the site where a new HS2 station at Euston is proposed. Enabling works for the development at Euston is ongoing, despite main construction work being paused. The government is now looking at an alternative vision for Euston, including a privately funded station.

To support learning, where possible, HS2’s station construction partner, Mace Dragados joint venture (MDjv), has kept utility services and systems exposed to act as a learning aid for students at the ESC.

HS2’s Euston client director, Andy Swift, said: “HS2 has delivered on its commitment to provide a brand new facility for Camden which will provide training opportunities for local people across the borough.

“Our contractor, Mace Dragados JV, have expertly constructed a centre which will serve as an educational hub in an area where we expect many career opportunities in construction and infrastructure.”

Jason Millett, director on behalf of MDjv, added: “It is important to us as a joint venture that the work we do at Euston benefits the local community; and the opening of this new skills centre will support people in Camden to develop their skills – as well as providing economic benefits, broadening the access to skilled labour for projects being delivered across the borough.

“We’re proud to have worked with HS2 and Camden Council on its construction, and we look forward to seeing students start to use the new facilities in the coming months.”