HS2 reveals potential construction firms for Birmingham station

Credit: HS2 Ltd

On 24 June 2020, HS2 Ltd revealed the names of the construction firms that have been shortlisted to build Birmingham Curzon Street station – the high-speed rail project’s landmark city centre terminus.

The following bidders will be invited to tender for the £570 million contract:

• BAM Ferrovial (a joint venture consisting of BAM Nuttall Ltd and Ferrovial Construction (UK) Limited)
• Laing O’Rourke Construction Limited
• Mace Dragados (a joint venture consisting of Mace Limited and Dragados S.A. UK Branch)

Following on from the UK government’s recent go-ahead for the civil engineering elements of the project, the announcement will help to provide confidence for the UK’s construction and engineering sector, with the contracts set to secure hundreds of jobs as the industry moves out of COVID-19 lockdown.

The station itself – which recently became the first HS2 station to gain planning approval – will be net-zero carbon in operation and will adopt the latest eco-friendly design and sustainable technologies, including capturing rainwater and utilising sustainable power generation, with over 2,800m² of solar panels located on platform canopies. 

It is designed to meet a ‘BREEAM excellent’ standard, which is an industry-recognised standard for buildings that reduce energy usage and materials waste and minimise their impact on the natural environment.

HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole, said: “Birmingham Curzon Street is absolutely at the heart of the HS2 project and will help to transform the city and the economy of the wider region. We are looking for a partner to take on the highly complex construction phase, working with us to deliver this logistical and engineering challenge. It’s great to see how much interest there is in the competition, and we look forward to working with the successful bidder to deliver what will be a new low-carbon architectural landmark for Birmingham and the UK.”

HS2 worked with WSP and Grimshaw Architects LLP on the design for Curzon Street, which is inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers. The design takes that inspiration into the 21st century, ensuring accessibility and a focus on the open space and landscaping around it.

Alongside up to nine high-speed trains an hour, passengers will also be able to access the Midland Metro, which runs alongside and underneath the station, while accessible pedestrian routes lead to local bus services, Sprint rapid transit bus services and local rail services from the neighbouring Moor Street station. Cycle parking has also been incorporated, providing space for more than 550 bicycles.

Significant progress has already been made on site. A massive archaeological programme, involving 70 archaeologists, has unearthed the world’s oldest railway roundhouse. Demolitions and ground investigations are preparing the site for construction, and utility diversions are set to begin in summer 2020.

The Two Stage Design and Build contract will see the winning bidder work closely with HS2 Ltd to develop the detailed design and construction of Curzon Street Station. Contracts are expected to be awarded in 2021.