HS2 Ltd has launched its search for a construction partner to build Interchange Station, which will be at the heart of the UK’s new high-speed rail network.
The tender shortlist for the contract will be announced later this year and the contract awarded in 2022. 1,000 jobs will be supported by the contract, worth up to 370m GBP (431m euros | 524.7m USD).
“The start of the search for our construction contractor is a significant step in the journey to build HS2’s Interchange Station in the Midlands. We’ve worked closely with our multi-disciplinary design team Arup to design the station to be net zero in operation, which is a key part of our strategy to reduce carbon and build the most sustainable railway in the world.
“The wider regeneration around Interchange Station is an even bigger prize, with thousands of jobs, new homes and commercial development set to transform the economic potential for people and businesses in the region.”
The station’s construction site covers 150 hectares, and is located within a triangle of land formed by the M42, A45 and A452. Work so far has included construction of modular bridges over the M42 and A446, and remodelling of the road network in the area to facilitate access to the new station.
Up to five trains per hour will pass through the new station in both directions, with an estimated total of 175,000 seats per day, making this one of the country’s most well-connected transport interchanges.
The station is the first railway station globally to achieve the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification at the design stage – a measure of sustainability for new and refurbished buildings – putting it in the top one percent of buildings in the UK for eco-friendly credentials.
It will maximise natural daylight and ventilation, includes a roof that can capture and reuse rainwater, and will have features to enable net zero carbon emissions from day-to-day energy consumption. Energy efficient technology will also be incorporated, such as air source heat pumps and LED lighting.
