19.11.18
HS2 kicks off bid race to build Birmingham’s Curzon Street station
HS2 has announced the start of its search for contractors to build its new £435m Curzon Street station.
Around four contractors will be shortlisted for the design and build deal ahead of the arrival of HS2 in Birmingham in 2026.
Early works contractors are already on site, preparing the ground for the start of construction, and the latest images of the proposed designs for the station done by WSP alongside Grimshaw Architects and Glen Howells were designed last month.
HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston welcomed the start of the contest and said they were looking forward to seeing the best the construction industry had to offer.
He said: “HS2 is already unlocking new opportunities to create skilled jobs across the West Midlands and, over the next decade, the winner of the Curzon Street contract will go on to build one of the most exciting and high-profile elements of the project.
“We’re looking for companies that share our commitment to safety, good design, environmental protection and value for money.
“Together we will deliver an iconic new gateway to Birmingham - a building the city, the wider region and the travelling public can be proud to call their own.”
HS2 is expected to unlock up to 36,000 jobs and 4,000 new homes across Birmingham, which the company says will “transform the city centre” and put Birmingham firmly at the heart of the HS2 network.
The HS2 minister Nursat Ghani said: “Birmingham is central to HS2, and the transformation that is already taking place shows exactly how our new high-speed railway will drive forward regeneration and economic growth across the country.
“Curzon Street station will be the perfect gateway to Birmingham and will live long in the memories of visitors boosting business and tourism in the city.”
Work is also underway to restore and reopen the original Curzon Street Station building, the last remaining part of the original 1838 station, as a visitor and heritage centre.
The bidders for Curzon Street are expected to be shortlisted in the spring with contracts awarded in 2020, and separate construction contracts for Birmingham Interchange will follow the next year.
In August, HS2 named the designers and engineers who are formally in the running to develop and design detailed plans for three new stations and London expansion works.
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