550 jobs to be created at HS2’s main control centre

Maintenance Building. Credit: HS2

HS2’s maintenance facility and main control centre for the whole HS2 network, is set to create 550 jobs in the local area.

Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC)

The first design images have been released of Washwood Heath Depot, which is where HS2 trains will be maintained, serviced and stored when not in use.

The facility in the north east of Birmingham, will include the Maintenance Building, Network Integrated Control Centre (NICC) and Cleaners and Drivers Building.

All buildings will feature solar panels, sustainable drainage, renewable energy, low carbon materials and will reuse rainwater runoff from some of the building roofs.

Cleaners and Drivers Building

Each will have a specifically designed landscape theme, outdoor social spaces for staff, and areas which restore biodiversity and wider habitat connections.

Richard Kirkham, HS2’s Head of Delivery Project said: “Our design team have been focused on ensuring sustainability is incorporated into our Washwood Heath Depot site and it is a great example of HS2’s environmental ambitions.

“It’s also a pivotal site providing hundreds of crucial jobs for people in this area of Birmingham, highlighting the long-term economic benefits that HS2 is delivering for the region”.

Accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists has been incorporated into the design, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist routes connecting with Birmingham’s future transport network.

In addition to car parks, provision is included for electric vehicle charging points, and cycle and motorcycle parking alongside taxi and delivery vehicle drop off zones.

The designs have been produced by HS2’s Engineering Delivery Partnership (EDP).

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