The first phase of the HS2 line is due to begin construction after being granted Royal Assent on Thursday.

The go-ahead comes after three years of Parliamentary scrutiny of the major railway project, which will form the 'backbone' of England, connecting towns and cities in the North to London.

Grimshaw has worked on key infrastructure for the pivotal rail line, including Euston station's extension to include an HS2 terminal →.

Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, said "HS2 will be the world’s most advanced passenger railway and the backbone of our rail network. Royal Assent is a major step towards significantly increasing capacity on our congested railways for both passengers and freight; improving connections between the biggest cities and regions; generating jobs, skills and economic growth and helping build an economy that works for all.xtagstartzspan class="redactor-invisible-space" style="line-height: 1.6em; background-color: initial;">"