As such, it served as a joint terminus for the scheduled passenger trains of both companies to major destinations such as London, Manchester and Liverpool, between 1838 and 1854.

Many original features were demolished at this time, such as the platforms and trainshed, but the principal entrance building survived and was given Grade I listed status.

While much of the site continued to be used for road-based parcel traffic, the principal building was used as office space for various purposes, including the occasional art event.

[2] At Birmingham, the L&BR connected with the Grand Junction Railway (GJR), which was constructed at the same time; it had been intended for the two railways to meet end on as to facilitate the running of through services; however, on account of the opposition of influential land owners, the GJR's desired alignment was blocked, necessitating the creation of two adjacent terminal stations, one for each company, at Curzon Street.

[2] Furthermore, it also featured a grand three-storey Principal Building complete with four massive Ionic columns that intentionally matched the Doric Euston Arch present at the London terminus.

[2] The GJR also built their own independent entrance building and booking office (now demolished) which were located behind the departure platform.

[2] While the station was formally opened on 24 June 1838, however, due to the delayed completion of Kilsby Tunnel, the first train from London did not arrive until on 17 September of that year.

Furthermore, the Principal Building had been extended along its northern side for the purpose of providing additional refreshment space for passengers, including a hotel.

[2] Within only a few years of opening, the station had become quite heavily trafficked; however, the arrangement of the parallel platforms quickly proved to be an inconvenience to the travelling public and operators alike, the inability to perform through trips complicated many train journeys.

In 1952, the Principal Building was given a Grade 1 Listing in recognition of its historical importance; in subsequent years, it would become the only surviving part of the original station and the world’s oldest example of monumental railway architecture.

[2] The surviving Grade I listed entrance building was designed by Philip Hardwick, having been intended to be used as the company's offices and boardroom.

The interior was modified in 1839 to accommodate a 'hotel' (the Victoria), although this was probably more in the nature of a refreshment room or public house, and later the booking hall, with a large iron balustraded stone staircase and offices.

During June 1900, the Railway Hotel was closed,[15] after which the contents were sold and the space was converted into offices for the goods depot.

[18] In separate instances, during 1970 and 1978, British Rail applied to demolish the Principal Building, but permission to proceed was repeatedly refused on both occasions.

It was expected to be the centrepiece of the City Park and Masshouse development scheme, which is located around the site, most of the surrounding buildings having been demolished.

[2] A masonry colonnade screen will connect the historic structure and the new HS2 station viaducts and eastern concourse at New Canal Street.

The renovated building will have a visitor centre and office space that will be used by HS2 Ltd, Birmingham City University, and Historic England.

"[22] A turntable (then called a "turn plate") and stabling sidings, designed by Robert Stephenson, were operational from 12 November 1837.