More than 1,000 jobs created through building of HS2 station in Birmingham, transport chiefs say
More than 1,000 jobs will be created through a "joint venture" which will build HS2's station in Birmingham, transport chiefs have said.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson confirmed the figure with HS2 Ltd as the contract was officially signed by Mace and Dragados.
The two companies will work to finalise the detailed design and build the "landmark" station at Birmingham's Curzon Street site.
Mr Stephenson said: "This brand new HS2 station marks a huge investment in Birmingham, and is a major milestone in the Government’s plan to build back better from Covid-19.
"As well as being net zero carbon in operation, Birmingham Curzon Street will create over 1,000 new jobs and 100 new apprenticeships. The station will make the city the beating heart of HS2 and the gateway to the North, forging better connections across the whole country."
The signing event took place during a "Cleaner Construction Showcase" held at the Curzon Street station site by HS2's early works contractor LMJV – Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture – to demonstrate how emission-free machine will change the construction industry.
Innovations include the world's first battery-powered crawler crane, eco-hybrid trucks, an electric sweeper, a generator powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil, solar-powered generators and other methods to cut carbon emissions on the site, as well as other HS2 sites between Birmingham and London.
Sustainability
Nicola Henderson-Reid, HS2's senior project manager for Curzon Street Station, said: "It’s fantastic to formally sign this contract, which will deliver over a thousand jobs and create numerous opportunities for local businesses to be part of the HS2 supply chain.
"As we’ve seen today, not only is HS2 playing a critical role creating jobs and contracts, the project is also committed to building the new railway in the most sustainable way possible. The green technology on show in Birmingham today places HS2 at the forefront of the UK ambition to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry."
The contract signed by the two companies "opens up opportunities" for supply-chain companies in the region, with two-fifths of the project spend set to go towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Jason Millett, Mace Group Board Director, representing the Mace Dragados Joint Venture, said: "On behalf of both Dragados and Mace, I am honoured that HS2 have chosen us to build the new station at Curzon Street. This is the kind of opportunity that comes along once in a generation - to deliver a transformational project that will leave a huge legacy for the UK, Birmingham and the West Midlands.
"We are extremely proud and delighted to have been selected for such an important role, and we look forward to working with HS2 and stakeholders to bring their ambitious vision to life."
