News on HS2 in Birmingham

We have today confirmed that a team made up of Mace and Dragados will build Birmingham’s new city centre high speed railway station, in a deal that is set to further boost the West Midlands economy .

The deal, which is worth up to £570m, will see Mace Dragados work with us in two stages to finalise the detailed design and then build the landmark station.

The station itself will be net zero carbon in operation and 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. The station will also play a vital role in the long-term economic future of the West Midlands, creating hundreds of jobs during construction and boosting the region after the pandemic.

Mace and Dragados have a strong track record delivering some of the world’s most complex and exciting infrastructure projects, including the refurbishment of Birmingham New Street, Battersea Power Station (phase 2) and work on delivering the Spanish high speed rail network, including the major new Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants stations. They are also working together in a separate joint venture delivering our London terminus at Euston.

We have 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.

Passengers will also be to access up to nine high speed trains an hour travelling north and south, and the Midland Metro - which runs alongside and underneath the station. Accessible pedestrian routes will connect 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 at Curzon Street. Site clearance is now complete and a massive archaeological programme, involving 70 archaeologists, has unearthed the world’s oldest railway roundhouse.

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