HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson and HS2 Ltd have confirmed the contract to deliver the high speed line’s flagship Birmingham station, in a project that is estimated to create more than 1,000 new jobs.
The station contract was formally signed by HS2 Ltd and their principal contractor Mace Dragados, signalling the start of a project that is set to bring significant job and skills opportunities to the West Midlands region.
Of the over 1,000 jobs confirmed to be created by the work, there will be an estimated 100 new entrant roles and 100 new apprenticeship positions and Restart scheme opportunities for unemployed people.
The HS2 Minister’s visit to the central Birmingham site followed a visit last week by the newly re-elected West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “This brand new HS2 station marks a huge investment in Birmingham, and is a major milestone in the Government’s plan to build back better from Covid-19.
“As well as being net zero carbon in operation, Birmingham Curzon Street will create over 1000 new jobs and 100 new apprenticeships.
“The station will make the city the beating heart of HS2 and the gateway to the North, forging better connections across the whole country.”
HS2’s Senior Project Manager for Curzon Street Station Nicola Henderson-Reid added: “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.”
The station’s principal contractor has already confirmed that it intends to support a whole range of jobs as part of the project, including roles in environmental management, community engagement and health, safety and wellbeing roles, alongside a number of more traditional construction roles.
As part of the newly-signed contract, opportunities have also been opened up for supply chain companies in the region, with 40% of project spend set to go towards SMEs.
The signing event took place during a Cleaner Construction Showcase being held at the Curzon Street Station site by HS2’s early works contractor, demonstrating how emission-free machinery will change the future of the construction industry.
Birmingham is set to soon introduce a Clean Air Zone, with the technology on display at the showcase intended to help cut carbon emissions on the site, as well as other HS2 sites between Birmingham and London, significantly.
RTM will be hosting our annual TCR Midlands event on February 10, 2022, bringing together rail decision makers across the region. Register to attend now.
