Sep 02, 2023
Next phase of major HS2 contracts set to be released this summer
Despite the pause on work on parts of High Speed 2 (HS2) announced last month,
Despite the pause on work on parts of High Speed 2 (HS2) announced last month, HS2 Ltd has said it will be holding market engagement events this summer as it will be releasing contracts "worth millions of pounds" for various types of jobs, including civil engineering works.
As work for the construction of viaducts, tunnels and bridges between linking Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common Station is progressing, HS2 and its construction partners are looking for subcontractors for the delivery of other parts of the project.
Among the contracts set to start being released this summer are some related to highway works and associated ancillary packages, such as surfacing, kerbing and paving.
There will also be new contract opportunities for earthworks, minor civils and road works within the urban realm. Contractors to carry out drainage, formwork and concrete works will also be sought.
Apart from subcontractors for these tasks, companies will be sought to support the manufacture of its fleet of high speed trains and for the fit out its first new station – the Old Oak Common station. Earlier this week, Balfour Beatty Vinci Systra joint venture completed the completed the first concrete pour for the base slab of the new station.
Despite the contracts being related to the rail link between London and Birmingham, the "meet the contractor" events organised by HS2 Ltd and its construction partners will take place in Manchester on the 10 and 11 July. The event on 10 July will be the one focused on the upcoming contract opportunities around station fit out and civil works.
"Meet the contractor is designed to help businesses understand how to get ‘HS2-ready’ so they are in the best possible position to bid for upcoming work," said an HS2 Ltd spokesperson.
Advance registration is required for the events, with interested parties having until 5pm on 23 June to register. A series of online events will also be held for those unable to attend in-person.
HS2 Ltd chief commercial officer Ruth Todd, said: "Thousands of UK businesses are already helping to bring the HS2 network to life, and this latest round of contract opportunities opens the door for hundreds more to join them.
"It's an exciting time, as attention now turns towards raising our stations from the ground and building a fleet of rolling stock that will transform the way we travel between Britain's major towns and cities. This is a standout opportunity for UK businesses looking to expand their order books and I’d encourage them to register quickly for the chance to discuss what's on offer."
Over 3,000 UK-based businesses are already engaged in HS2's supply chain and 61% of contracts have been awarded to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in every region of the UK.
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Sotiris Kanaris