HS2 has published details of over 300 work packages that will form part of its 2024 procurement pipeline, with contracts ranging from £1m-£500m
The 2024 procurement pipeline for HS2 equates to over £1bn of work, according to the 300-plus work packages available.
The 140-mile network, which involves four new stations and two depots, has over £17bn of work already completed by over 3,200 companies.
Contracts are available for landscaping, structural works and more
Robin Lapish, HS2’s supply chain lead, expands: “Forward planning is absolutely crucial for businesses, so we’ve worked closely with our stations and civil contractors to develop a simple procurement pipeline setting out what we’ll need and when.
“There’s a huge variety of contracts on offer, from scaffolding and landscaping to structural steelworks and platform floors. We want more UK businesses to benefit and encourage those that haven’t already registered as an HS2 supplier to take a look at what’s coming.”
Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply for HS2’s 2024 procurement pipeline
HS2’s 2024 procurement pipeline sets out the estimated contract value, procurement start date and location for each package of work, so businesses can quickly gauge their interest months before procurement begins.
Contact details for HS2’s six construction partners are also provided, and speculative conversations are encouraged to help prospective bidders understand the detailed requirements.
Subcontract opportunities are posted on CompeteFor approximately two weeks before the procurement process begins, where companies can register their interest.
The news follows a hectic year for HS2
HS2 celebrated the workforce growing to 30,000, as well as several key project developments such as progress on Euston station’s redevelopment, the completion of Streethay Bridge and completing the UK’s heaviest single span bridge drive beneath the West Coast Main Line near Lichfield.
However, as spending continued to balloon, rumours spread about the scheme being cut back as early as January.
By the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester in October, these rumours culminated in an abortive denial from Downing Street before prime minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the cancellation of the Manchester connection to HS2 in his speech.
Response from regional leaders in the north of England and general industry professionals was generally poor, citing the economic neglect of northern infrastructure and massive financial commitments companies had made in preparation for further work.
With a general election likely in the next year, time will tell if the project continues to play such a high profile role in political discourse- and what that might mean for the UK construction industry.
