News on HS2 in Birmingham

On Wednesday 24 June, HS2 Ltd revealed the names of the construction firms in the running to build Birmingham Curzon Street station – the high-speed rail project’s landmark city centre terminus.

The following bidders will be invited to tender for the contract, worth up to £570m:

Following on from the government’s recent go ahead for the civil engineering elements of the project, today’s announcement will help provide confidence for Britain’s construction and engineering sector, with the contracts set to secure hundreds of jobs as the industry moves out of coronavirus lockdown.

Curzon Street station will be the first brand new intercity terminus station built in Britain since the 19th century. It will create a new landmark for Birmingham and boost opportunities for regeneration in the city.

The station itself – which recently became the first HS2 station to gain planning approval – will be net zero carbon in operation and will adopt the latest eco-friendly design and sustainable technologies, including capturing rainwater and utilising sustainable power generation, with over 2,800m2 of solar panels located on platform canopies.

It is designed to meet a ‘BREEAM excellent’ standard, which is an industry recognised standard for buildings that reduce energy usage and materials waste and minimise their impact on the natural environment.

HS2 worked with WSP and Grimshaw Architects LLP on the design for Curzon Street, which is inspired by the great arched roofs built by the Victorian railway pioneers. The design takes that inspiration into the 21st Century, ensuring accessibility and a focus on the open space and landscaping around it.

Alongside up to nine high speed trains an hour, passengers will also be able to access the Midland Metro, which runs alongside and underneath the station, while accessible pedestrian routes lead to local bus services, Sprint rapid transit bus services and local rail services from the neighbouring Moor Street station. Cycle parking has also been incorporated, providing space for more than 550 bicycles.

Significant progress has already been made on site. A massive archaeological programme, involving 70 archaeologists, has unearthed the world’s oldest railway roundhouse. Demolitions and ground investigations are preparing the site for construction, and utility diversions are set to begin in the summer.

The Two Stage Design and Build contract will see the winning bidder work closely with HS2 Ltd to develop the detailed design and construction of Curzon Street Station. Contracts are expected to be awarded next year.

Visit the Curzon Street station page for more information about the station and its design.

If you have any questions about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.