PEOPLE are being called on to cast their vote on the appearance of a HS2’s Balsall Common viaduct.
The designs, which show options for the appearance and patterning of the viaduct and the area around it, will be on display at community events hosted by the high speed rail company starting next week.
The first two sessions will be held on January 18 from noon until 5.50pm at Balsall Common Village Hall on Station Road and then from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Balsall Common Methodist Church on Station Road.
On January 25, two more session will be held.
The first from noon until 5.30pm at Berkswell and Balsall Common Sports Association at The Lant Recreation Ground on Meeting House Lane.
And then from 5.30pm until 7.30pm at Balsall Common Methodist Church on Station Road.
The viaduct is designed to sit within the surrounding landscape, and HS2 say the five parapet options are designed to make the viaduct either more prominent through the use of bold colours, or less prominent by using polished concrete to reflect the sky and surroundings.
The structure is being built by HS2’s main works contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), supported by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA together with architects Weston Williamson + Partners.
Christoph Brintrup, HS2’s head of landscape said: “Over the last two years we have refined the landscape design for the Balsall Common Viaduct using feedback from residents, businesses and community groups.
“This has resulted in increased landscape integration, visual connectivity and public access being incorporated in the final design stages.”
People are being asked to provide feedback on three landscape design options which focus on either conserving the landscape character, planting additional woodland or creating a marshland concept.
The proposal for additional woodland planting is on the Balsall Common side of the viaduct, with more trees and shrubs around the fishing lakes to provide more screening of the viaduct.
On the Berkswell side, the design builds on the network of well-maintained hedgerows with mature oak trees and strengthens the vegetation alongside Baileys Brook, also providing an additional filter to views.
