HS2 launches £2.75bn manufacturing contract

The £2.75bn opportunity to build trains for the HS2 network has been launched.

The contract to design and build up to 60 high specification trains will create hundreds of manufacturing jobs.

The successful bidder will maintain the fleet from the dedicated rolling stock depot planned for Washwood Heath in Birmingham, which will also be home to the HS2 Network Control Centre.

It is a critical year for Europe’s largest infrastructure project, as it makes the “move from planning to construction” this year, said HS2’s managing director for railway operations, Chris Rayner.

He added: “We are looking for a supplier who is capable of delivering and maintaining some of the world’s most advanced rolling stock, with designs putting the passenger at their heart to ensure seamless, accessible, fast and reliable journeys.”

Royal Assent is expected shortly for the bill, which will enable building work to start on the Birmingham to London section of HS2 in the spring.

The contract for the trains will be awarded at the end of 2019 with the winning bidders going on to deliver a fleet which will provide services capable of seating more than 1,000 passengers.

Future contracts will add to this fleet, to provide trains for the second phase of the project, in 2033.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Launching the hunt for a manufacturer of these trains is a major step towards Britain getting a new railway which will carry over 300,000 people a day, improve connections between our great cities, generate jobs, and helping us build an economy that works for all.”

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