EALING leaders visited the Old Oak Common site, where HS2 is building its new superhub station.

Since spades hit the ground less than two years ago, the site is rapidly transforming in readiness for what will be the largest new rail station ever built in the UK.

The station’s six HS2 platforms will be built underground, connecting with eight conventional rail platforms at ground level, serving the Great Western main line and the Elizabeth line.

Council leader Peter Mason and Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, Lead Member for Decent Living Incomes, heard how HS2 is striving to ensure that local people benefit from job opportunities at the site.

HS2 and its supply chain partners have so far supported 128 formerly unemployed Ealing residents into new careers, with a further 27 taking up apprenticeship programmes.

The visitors met 18-year-old Ealing resident Tyler Pearce-Scott, who began his apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty in 2021.

Now, two years into his Information Communication Technician (ICT) apprenticeship, he is a vital part of the team supporting the complex IT infrastructure across the site.

Tyler said: “They were really interested in my school-to-career journey.

“I found it hard to readjust to classroom-based study after the pandemic and made the difficult decision to leave Elthorne Park sixth form to find employment.”

Cllr Mason added: “Ealing’s unrivalled transport connectivity will be further boosted by the HS2 station at Old Oak Common.”