HS2 has launched the search for a construction contractor to build its Interchange Station, bidders are asked to put themselves forward for the £370m contract
The contract could support up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction, as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs.
Interchange Station is set to pave the way for growth plans around the site being led by the Urban Growth Company that will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000m2 of commercial space.
These will form part of the UK Central Hub area plans for 70,000 jobs, 5,000 new homes and 650,000m2 of commercial space, generating £6.2bn GVA per year and bringing 1.3m people to within a 45-minute public transport commute of the station.
This recognises the station’s eco-friendly features including maximising natural daylight and ventilation, a station roof design that can capture and reuse rainwater, and features to enable net-zero carbon emissions from day-to-day energy consumption.
Energy-efficient technology will also be incorporated, such as air source heat pumps and LED lighting.
The tender shortlist for the contract will be announced later this year and the contract awarded in 2022.
Regenerate the region as we ‘build back better’
HS2 minister, Andrew Stephenson, said: “HS2’s Interchange Station will be one of the best-connected places in the UK, bringing together rail, road and air transport links and today’s milestone takes us one step closer to delivering a new, modern, zero-carbon station.
“This investment in the West Midlands will support 1,000 jobs, create new jobs and businesses, and regenerate the region as we build back better.”
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “Today’s announcement is a huge step towards realising the vision we created for the UK Central Hub. HS2 and the interchange station will supercharge the economy of Solihull and the wider region, bringing jobs, homes and opportunities and it is vital that we do our utmost to capture its benefits.
“This is a fantastic project for the UK construction industry and we look forward to continuing to work closely with HS2 and its contractors to ensure the interchange station supports our ambitions for the UK Central Hub.”
