THE CONSTRUCTION firms in the running to build Birmingham Curzon Street station – the HS2 rail project’s landmark city centre terminus, which will link directly to the HS2 Interchange in Solihull – have been revealed.
BAM Ferrovial, Laing O’Rourke Construction Limited and Mace Dragados will be invited to tender for the £570m contract.
HS2 Ltd’s Procurement and Commercial Director, David Poole said: “Birmingham Curzon Street is absolutely at the heart of the HS2 project and will help transform the city and the economy of the wider region.
“We are looking for a partner to take on the highly complex construction phase, working with us to deliver this logistical and engineering challenge.
“It’s great to see how much interest there is in the competition, and we look forward to working with the successful bidder to deliver what will be a new low-carbon architectural landmark for Birmingham and the UK.”
Birmingham Curzon Street station – which recently became the first HS2 station to gain planning approval – will be net zero carbon in operation and will adopt eco-friendly design and sustainable technologies, including capturing rainwater and using solar power.
It is designed to meet a ‘BREEAM excellent’ standard, an industry-recognised standard for buildings that reduce energy usage and materials waste, and minimise their impact on the 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.
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.
An archaeological programme at the site 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 with HS2 Ltd to develop the design and construction of Curzon Street Station. Contracts are expected to be awarded next year.
