HS2 starts hunt for Curzon Street station contractor

HS2 has launched a search for the construction team that will deliver the new Curzon Street station, putting Birmingham at the heart of the HS2 network.

The arrival of HS2 in 2026 is expected to help transform the city centre and unlock up to 36,000 jobs and 4,000 new homes across Birmingham. HS2’s early works contractors are already on site, preparing the ground for the start of construction.

The vision for the station includes a huge arched roof inspired by the city’s transport and industrial heritage. The latest images of the proposed designs, by WSP, working with Grimshaw Architects and Glenn Howells, were unveiled last month as part of a series of regional community engagement events.

The station will be designed to offer connections to the West Midlands Metro as well as local rail services via the neighbouring Moor Street station and bus, taxi, cycle and pedestrian access to the wider region.

Work is also underway to restore and reopen the original Curzon Street Station building, the only surviving part of the original 1838 station, as a visitor and heritage centre.

HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston 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 the best the construction industry has to offer. 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.”

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The start of this procurement process is a hugely significant step forward towards building what will be one of the real showpieces of the entire HS2 network here in Birmingham. However, what I think makes HS2 really exciting is the jobs, homes and opportunities it will bring to our city, leaving a legacy that I hope will benefit generations to come.”

Separate contractors, appointed last year, will build the tunnels and viaducts that will carry the new 360km/h trains into the centre of Birmingham and to the Interchange station near Solihull, the NEC and Birmingham Airport.

At the peak of construction, more than 30,000 jobs are expected to be supported by the project nationally, with Birmingham also home to the National College for High Speed Rail and the HS2 rolling stock depot and national control centre at Washwood Heath.

More than 7,000 jobs are already supported by the project, both directly and across the UK-wide supply chain.

HS2 services will eventually connect over 25 destinations and 30 million people across the UK. Trains will serve existing city centre stations in places like Glasgow and Newcastle, as well as brand new purpose built stations in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and the East Midlands.

For Curzon Street, bidders are expected to be shortlisted in the spring, with contracts awarded in 2020.

Separate construction contracts for Birmingham Interchange will follow next year.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close