HS2 begins search for Birmingham Curzon Street construction teams

HS2 has begun the search for the construction team that will take the new Curzon Street station from concept to reality, consequently putting Birmingham firmly at the heart of the HS2 network.

HS2’s early-works contractors are already on site, preparing the ground for the start of construction.

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.”

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 were unveiled in October 2018 as part of a series of regional community engagement events.

HS2 Minister, Nusrat 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.”

Putting people at the centre of the design, the station will be designed to offer seamless 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.

Dawn Karakatsanis, Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Midlands), said: “The start of the procurement process for a new station at Birmingham Curzon Street is a fantastic opportunity for industry and a boon for the entire region. CECA believes HS2 will be fundamental to the rebalancing of the economy and drive growth, create jobs and be transformational in closing the capacity gap on the UK’s railways.

“HS2 will be central to the diverse portfolio of transport infrastructure the UK will rely upon in coming years, and the initiation of procurement for a new station at Birmingham Curzon Street should be seen as a major milestone towards the delivery of this once-in-a-generation project.”

Separate contractors, appointed in 2017, 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.