Curzon Street station (Image: HS2)
HS2 has begun the hunt for contractors to build the new £435 Curzon Street station in Birmingham, as reports circulated that the project may be delayed by a year.
Companies shortlisted for the work, which is expected to be carried out under a design and build contract, will be named in spring next year with contracts awarded in 2020.
The station, designed by WSP, working with Grimshaw Architects and Glenn Howells, will feature a huge arched roof inspired by the city’s transport and industrial heritage. It will offer connections to the West Midlands Metro as well as local rail services via the neighbouring Moor Street station and bus, taxi, cycle and pedestrian access to the wider region
The new station will sit alongside the original Curzon Street station building, the only surviving part of the original 1838 station, which will be turned into a visitor and heritage centre.
Yesterday, the Sunday Times reported that the £65bn HS2 project was expected to be delayed for more than a year amid concerns that it is set to "soar" over its budget.
The paper reported that sources close to the main works civils contracts on the London to Birmingham stretch for work including bridges, tunnels and embankments, had come in "several billion pounds" over the official budget of £6.6bn. The work is due to start next year.
HS2 has been contacted for comment.
Commenting on Curzon Street statio, HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston said: “HS2 is already unlocking new opportunities to create skilled jobs across the west midlands and, over the next decade, the winner of the Curzon Street contract will go on to build one of the most exciting and high profile elements of the project.
“We’re looking for the best the construction industry has to offer. Companies that share our commitment to safety, good design, environmental protection and value for money. Together we will deliver an iconic new gateway to Birmingham – a building the city, the wider region and the travelling public can be proud to call their own.”
Dawn Karakatsanis, director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (Midlands), said: “The start of the procurement process for a new station at Birmingham Curzon Street is a fantastic opportunity for industry and a boon for the entire region.
“CECA believes HS2 will be fundamental to the rebalancing of the economy and will drive growth, create jobs, and be transformational in closing the capacity gap on the UK’s railways.
“HS2 will be central to the diverse portfolio of transport infrastructure the UK will rely upon in coming years, and the initiation of procurement for a new station at Birmingham Curzon Street should be seen as a major milestone towards the delivery of this once-in-a-generation project.”
Separate construction contracts for Birmingham Interchange will follow next year.
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In the wake of the Carillion collapse, are these type of mega-contracts really profitable to a contractor who has the clout to be on the tender list, or should they be broken down into sensible controllable packages that limit the liability of all involved over the contract period.