HS2 | Three bidders shortlisted to build Birmingham Interchange station

Laing O’Rourke, Skanska and Unity - a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick, supported by WSP – have been invited to tender.

Procurement for the contract was launched in June. It was originally billed at £270M, however it has risen by £100M and is now worth £370M.

The winner of the contract will develop the detailed design of the station before construction begins and the station takes shape over the next few years.

The contract is set to support 1,000 jobs, creating a major economic boost for people and businesses in the Midlands. The wider regeneration opportunities around the station will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000m² of commercial space.

The construction site for the station covers an area of 150ha, and is located within a triangle of land formed by the M42, A45 and A452. Work so far has included construction of modular bridges over the M42 and A446, and remodelling of the road network in the area to facilitate access to the new station.

HS2 Ltd has worked with consultant Arup to design the station to be net zero in operation, which is a key part of HS2 Ltd’s strategy to reduce carbon and build the most sustainable railway in the world.

Up to five trains per hour will pass through the completed station in both directions, carrying an estimated total of 175,000 passengers per day.

HS2 Ltd procurement and supply chain director Andrew Cubitt described the contract as "significant", adding that it will "not only boost jobs in the Midlands, but will open up fantastic supply chain opportunities for businesses right across the country".

He said: "The benefits go even further, with the wider opportunities for commercial development around Interchange Station set to drive local investment and regeneration.”

HS2 Ltd stations director Matthew Botelle added: “This is a major milestone in the delivery of our HS2 stations. We’re looking forward to working with the winning bidder on our award-winning designs, to build a world class, eco-friendly station that will play a major role in helping us deliver Britain’s new low-carbon railway.” 

The station is the first railway station globally to achieve the Breeam "Outstanding" sustainability certification at the design stage putting it in the top 1% of buildings in the UK for eco-friendly credentials.

This recognises the station’s eco-friendly features including maximising natural daylight and ventilation, a station roof which can capture and reuse rainwater, and features to enable net zero carbon emissions from day-to-day energy consumption. Energy efficient technology will also be incorporated, such as air source heat pumps and LED lighting.

The huge growth plans around the site, being led by the Urban Growth Company, will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000m² of commercial space. These will form part of the UK Central Hub area plans for 70,000 jobs, 5,000 new homes and 650,000m² of commercial space, generating £6.2bn GVA per year and bringing 1.3M people to within a 45 minute public transport commute of the station.

The contract is set to be awarded in 2022.

Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.