UK: HS2 Ltd has shortlisted three bidders for the £370m contract for the detailed design and construction of the High Speed 2 Interchange station to the east of Birmingham.
Invitations to tender have been issued to:
- Laing O’Rourke Construction;
- Skanska Construction UK;
- Unity Joint Venture (Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick, supported by WSP as subcontractor).
HS2 Ltd’s Procurement & Supply Chain Director Andrew Cubitt said the contract, which is expected to be awarded in 2022, would ‘not only boost jobs in the Midlands, but will open up fantastic supply chain opportunities for businesses right across the country. The benefits go even further, with the wider opportunities for commercial development around Interchange station set to drive local investment and regeneration.’
The 150 ha site near Solihull is located within a triangle of land formed by the M42, A45 and A452 roads. Work undertaken so far by early works contractor LM, a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and Murphy, includes construction of modular bridges and remodelling of the road network to facilitate access.
The station will have two 415 m long island platforms and two central high speed through lines for non-stop services. It will be linked to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham International station and the airport via an automated peoplemover.
HS2 Ltd has worked with Arup to design the station to be net zero in operation. The project promoter says it is the first railway station globally to achieve BREEAM Outstanding sustainability certification at the design stage. Features will include use of natural daylight and ventilation, a roof which can capture rainwater for reuse, features for net zero carbon emissions from day-to-day energy consumption, and energy efficiency technology including air source heat pumps and LED lighting.
