HS2 Ltd has awarded a framework to build around 300 state-of-the-art lifts and escalators for the four major new stations as part of HS2 to TK Elevator
More than 160 lifts and 130 escalators will be needed at Birmingham Curzon Street, Interchange, Old Oak Common and the new HS2 platforms at London Euston to aid hundreds of thousands of passengers access HS2 trains every day.
Currently employing around 400 people across the UK, TK Elevator has been awarded this framework agreement valuing somewhere between £207m and £316m.
‘HS2 is a revolutionary project’
HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said:
“HS2 is a revolutionary project that will improve transport, slash carbon emissions and create long-lasting jobs across the UK from manufacturing to the running of trains and it’s only right that it is accessible for everyone.
“These state-of-the-art lifts and escalators, alongside our commitment to step-free access from street to the train, will facilitate this while also acting as an eye-catching feature.”
There is a need for flexibility since some stations may require more lifts and escalators than others – designs have not yet been finalised. Maintenance will be provided for around 20 years.
Zero carbon
Zero carbon is at the heart of the HS2 project and so all new stations in London and Birmingham will be zero carbon in terms of day-to-day operation. They will also be fully accessible, with step-free access from station entrance to train and escalators stretching more than 3km.
All of HS2’s new stations will have to be built in line with the highest industry standard – ‘BREEAM Excellent’. This includes sustainable lifetime performance and so lifts and escalators must also be energy efficient.
Old Oak Common, in west London will boast the longest escalators which will take passengers 13.5m up from the subsurface platforms to concourse level. In total, the new station – where HS2 meets Crossrail services to Heathrow and the West End of London – will have more than 50 lifts and escalators.
‘Ensure seamless journeys for everyone’
HS2 Ltd’s procurement director, Andrew Cubitt, said:
“These lifts and escalators will be an essential part of our four iconic new stations – moving hundreds of thousands of people every day and helping us to ensure seamless journeys for everyone.
“I’d like to congratulate TK Elevator on their award of the framework and I look forward to seeing them deliver a vital part of the HS2 project.”
Inge Delobelle, CEO of TK Elevator in Europe & Africa, said:
“We are honoured to partner with HS2 on this landmark project. We have a strong track record of supporting transport infrastructure projects across the world, and are confident that our proven expertise as well as our commitment to sustainability and high safety standards will help provide the best mobility solutions for this ambitious undertaking.”
Increasing capacity and halving journey times
Upon completion, HS2 will more than double the capacity along Britain’s main north-south rail routes and halve many journey times between London, Birmingham and the major cities of the north.
This means that local and freight services will have more space to operate.
