Rupa Huq Brings HS2 Boss Face-to-face with Local Critics

Mark Wild meets residents at Old Oak Common open day

Rupa Huq MP with HS2 CEO Mark Wild (right)

December 8, 2025

Residents living near the construction of the future Old Oak Common station had the chance to put their concerns directly to HS2’s leadership last weekend, as the project’s Chief Executive Mark Wild joined Ealing Central and Acton MP Dr Rupa Huq for an open day at the site.

For many locals, HS2 has long been associated with disruption, delays and spiralling costs. The visit, organised by Dr Huq, was intended to give residents a clearer picture of progress and to allow them to raise issues face-to-face with the man now responsible for steering the project forward. Nearly 100 people attended the event, which also featured representatives from HS2 delivery teams and the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, the body overseeing redevelopment of the surrounding 70-acre brownfield site.

Dr Huq described the station as central to plans for 24,000 new homes in Old Oak, calling it “the biggest built at once, spearheading a new town on what up to now has been wasteland.” She acknowledged the frustrations of those living closest to the works, noting that she has previously referred to Wells House Road as “the most blighted road in England” in Parliament. She said it was important that residents’ concerns about pollution, timelines and local impact were heard at the highest level.

Mark Wild, who previously led the turnaround of the Elizabeth line, told ITV London that he understood the disruption caused by the project but welcomed the engagement. “I am understanding what the community’s concerns are. I am pleased to see a good level of engagement but I do understand how disruptive this is. Whatever we can do to help the community we will, this is a huge engineering endeavour,” he said.

Rupa Huq hears from residents at the meeting

The event also highlighted potential benefits for local people, with community funding and employment officers on hand to explain opportunities linked to the development. While HS2 remains over budget and behind schedule, the company has described its current phase as a “reset” aimed at restoring confidence in delivery.