HS2 Ltd signs a construction partner for Euston station

HS2 Ltd and a Mace/Dragados team have signed contracts to deliver the high-speed rail project’s landmark terminus at London Euston.

The Mace/Dragados joint venture will act as a Construction Partner, working with HS2 Ltd and the station designers, to coordinate the building of the new station, including platforms, concourse and links to London Underground and other rail services.

The appointment completes the roster of major contractors at Euston and marks the end of an exhaustive 19 month procurement process.

Together, the two firms have a track record of delivering complex and demanding infrastructure projects including Battersea Power Station (phase 2), Mumbai International Airport Terminal Two and work on delivering the Spanish high-speed rail network, including the major new Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations.

HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, Mark Thurston, said: “Mace and Dragados have a strong track record of delivering some of the world’s most challenging and exciting infrastructure projects and we’re delighted that they’re joining the HS2 team as our Construction Partner for Euston.”

At Euston, demolitions have begun, with the former carriage sheds north of the station and site of the tunnel portals, cleared in 2018. The first tower cranes arrived in January to assist with the demolition of the two 1970s towers at the front of the station, while the demolition of the disused former National Temperance Hospital and IBIS hotel is now almost complete.

Jason Millett, COO for Consultancy at Mace, on behalf of the Mace/Dragados joint venture, said: “This contract signing marks the start of a close partnership that will last over a decade and transform one of the capital’s most important stations beyond recognition.

“The successful delivery of the new Euston Station for HS2 is not only important for residents of Camden and London, but will improve capacity, reliability and journey times for millions of people travelling from the Midlands and the North of England every year.

“Combining Mace’s knowledge of major infrastructure project delivery in the UK with Dragados’ high-speed rail expertise we are assembling one of the highest calibre teams in the country to deliver this bold and ambitious vision for Euston.”

Alongside demolitions, CSjv are delivering ecological work and utility diversions, as well as the project’s archaeological programme across the southern section of the route.

Once complete, HS2 will more than double capacity at Euston to deal with increasing passenger demand while freeing up space on the west coast mainline for more freight and commuter services to places like Watford and Milton Keynes.

In February 2018, HS2 Ltd, on behalf of the Department for Transport and Network Rail, appointed Lendlease to develop a masterplan for the wider Euston site, which could support up to 14,000 new jobs and almost 4,000 new homes, as well as shops, cafes and public spaces.