Two massive demolition jobs spanning over months have now been completed with contractors removing around 15,000 tonnes of material to make way for platforms at HS2’s Euston station.

Delivered by the enabling works contractor Costain and Skanska joint venture (CSjv), working with subcontractors Keltbray, a top-down demolition technique was used, with machines lifted onto the top of the buildings and protective screening around the outside to limit noise and dust.

It now means that more than two thirds of demolitions have now been completed across the capital with more than a thousand people now at work on the huge infrastructure project.

The work is part of HS2’s enabling works contracts, which involve archaeology, demolitions and clearance, utilities and work to deliver new tree planting and wildlife habitats as part of HS2’s ‘green corridor’ project.

Once complete, HS2 will more than double the number of seats out of Euston during peak hours, with the first six new 400m platforms built adjacent to the existing station to reduce disruption to passengers during construction.

HS2’s Euston programme director, Rob Carr said: “Across the capital we are making strong progress, with our pioneering archaeological programme in full swing and more than two thirds of demolitions now complete. I’d like to thank all those involved in helping us hit this latest milestone and I look forward to the next steps in delivering HS2’s new gateway to the capital.”

The work at Euston has seen the destruction of the former Ibis hotel on Cardington Street where the five-storey, 380-room building demolition led to the removal of almost 9,000 tonnes of material. The second clearance was the disused National Temperance Hospital buildings with more than 6,000 tonnes of material. HS2 say 95% of the 15,000 tonnes of material will be recycled or reused.

Two time capsules, discovered during the work, are being conserved by HS2’s archaeological sub-contractors and will be kept for future study and display in the community.

CSjv programme director, Peter Jones, added: “Costain and Skanska’s HS2 teams are making significant progress across London and we are pleased to confirm the successful completion of these two key building demolitions. We currently have more than a thousand people on site in the Euston area, working on a further 25 projects, most of which will be completed this year.”

Last month, HS2 appointed Mace/Dragados as Euston’s construction partner. They will work with HS2 Ltd and designers Arup/Grimshaw to complete the design and build the new station.