HS2- the work commences

On April 15th 2020, following on from the Oaktree Review and the Government’s decision to carry on, the Department for Transport has approved for HS2 to issue the notice to proceed to the four main contractors.

The contractors working on the project – SCS Railways, Align JV, EKFB JV, and BBV JV are to commence the full detailed design and construction of Phase One of the HS2 railway.

HS2 Ltd awarding the contracts to four MWCCs is the next significant step of Phase One of the project. An estimated 400,000 supply chain contract opportunities for UK businesses will be created during Phase One of HS2, supporting thousands of jobs on-site and many more around the country. It is estimated that around 95% of those contract opportunities will be won by UK based businesses and around two-thirds of those will be small and medium-sized businesses.

Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, said:

“In these difficult times, today’s announcement represents both an immediate boost to the construction industry – and the many millions of UK jobs that the industry supports – and an important investment in Britain’s future: leveling up the country, improving our transport network and changing the way we travel to help bring down carbon emissions and improve air quality for the next generation.”

The development work at Old Oak Common to prepare for construction of the new station has been ongoing since 2017 and the site is near ready to be handed over to HS2’s station construction partner, Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra JV (BBVS) who were awarded the contract in September 2019. Old Oak Common station will be the super hub connecting HS2 to the Elizabeth Line and Greater London.