RCGP admits approval of HS2 rail link could lead to eviction from new headquarters

The RCGP has admitted it could be forced to sell off its new headquarters in London if a ‘worst case scenario' sees the College evicted from the building by moves to expand Euston station as part of the Government's planned High Speed Two rail link.

College officials told Pulse that the Grade 2 listed building, located at 30 Euston Square and next to Euston station, could be subject to a compulsory purchase order from the Government if it is found to be affected by the planned expansion of the station under plans for HS2 approved by ministers yesterday.

The Department of Transport is carrying out a ‘comprehensive land referencing exercise' this year to identify all ‘property interests' impacted by the £33bn HS2 project. The Department's website states: ‘Those people who may be affected by the route will soon be receiving letters to alert them to the situation.'

Despite the threat to the new headquarters, the RCGP moved to reassure GPs by saying that the College would ‘be given the full market value, plus a premium' if the ‘worse case scenario' forced a sell off of the building due to HS2.

RCGP chief executive Neil Hunt said: ‘The College has already been working with HS2 to ensure that 30 Euston Square remains unaffected by the changes to Euston station.'

'As a highly protected Grade 2* listed building, this structure is an extremely important and unique piece of architecture and it would be a great loss to the nation's heritage if it was to be affected in any way.'

‘If the worse-case scenario becomes a reality, the entire property would be subject to a compulsory purchase, in which case the College would be given the full market value, plus a premium. The College's investment remains secure and our members can be reassured that they can look forward to many years of full use of their new home.'

Mr Hunt said that the RCGP remains ‘on course' to move into the new headquarters this Autumn and said the redevelopment of Euston station for HS2 was unlikely to commence before 2018 at the earliest.

‘If HS2 does go ahead as announced today, it will also mean that the RCGP building is positioned next to one of the most important national and international transport hubs, making 30 Euston Square one of the most highly valued properties in London,' he added.