See how Curzon Street railway station Birmingham changed between 1840 and 2025. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
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Curzon Street railway station, designed by Philip Hardwick, opened on 9 April 1838 as the terminus of the London and Birmingham Railway. The station's Greek Revival entrance building, featuring impressive columns, was constructed at a cost of £28,000. The first train from London arrived on 17 September 1838, marking a significant milestone in connecting London to Birmingham. (birmingham.gov.uk)
In 1846, the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) was formed, leading to the construction of a new station at New Street, approximately half a mile west of Curzon Street. This new station opened in 1854, and Curzon Street ceased regular passenger services, transitioning to a goods depot. It remained operational in this capacity until its closure in 1966. (railaroundbirmingham.co.uk)
The original station building survived and was designated as a Grade I listed building in 1952, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. In recent years, the building has been integrated into the development plans for the new Birmingham Curzon Street station, part of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project. The new station is scheduled to open in 2028, with the historic building serving as a focal point in the redevelopment. (en.wikipedia.org)
The Curzon Street site has been a focal point for archaeological studies, uncovering significant railway heritage, including the remains of the world's oldest known railway roundhouse, designed by Robert Stephenson. This roundhouse was operational by 12 November 1837, predating the previously recognized oldest roundhouse by almost two years. (en.wikipedia.org)
Today, the Curzon Street area is undergoing significant redevelopment, with the historic station building being preserved and incorporated into the new station's design, ensuring that Birmingham's rich railway heritage continues to be a part of its future.
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