HS2 Ltd has confirmed that over 1,000 jobs will be created by the joint venture that will build HS2’s landmark station in the centre of Birmingham, helping the UK to ‘build back better’
Following a visit to HS2’s Curzon Street Station by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street last week, HS2 Ltd and Mace Dragados formally signed the station contract, signalling the start of a project that will bring significant jobs and skills opportunities for people in the West Midlands region.
The signing event took place during a unique Cleaner Construction Showcase held at the Curzon Street Station site by HS2’s early works contractor LMJV (Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture), demonstrating how emission-free machinery will change the future of the construction industry.
Mace Dragados has confirmed that a whole range of jobs will be supported, including roles in environmental management, community engagement and health, safety and wellbeing roles, as well as a number of more traditional construction roles.
The contract also opens up opportunities for supply chain companies in the region, with 40% of project spend set to go towards SMEs.
A consortium has been working on the design of the station for the last three years, including lead consultant WSP’s team of 160 people based at their office in Birmingham’s Mailbox, Grimshaw as building architect, and Grants Associates as landscape and public realm lead.
With Mace Dragados now on board, the detailed design of the station will be finalised before construction begins and the station takes shape over the next few years.
The station is set to reduce carbon emissions by 55%, will achieve net zero carbon emissions from regulated energy consumption and use a range of technologies to generate energy from renewable sources.
Opportunities for local businesses
HS2’s senior project manager for Curzon Street Station, Nicola Henderson-Reid, said: “It’s fantastic to formally sign this contract, which will deliver over a thousand jobs and create numerous opportunities for local businesses to be part of the HS2 supply chain.
“As we’ve seen today, not only is HS2 playing a critical role creating jobs and contracts, the project is also committed to building the new railway in the most sustainable way possible.
“The green technology on show in Birmingham today places HS2 at the forefront of the UK ambition to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry.”
