HS2 Interchange to provide major jobs boost

The HS2 Interchange near Solihull will bring in 1,000 jobs to the region, West Midlands mayor Andy Street has announced.

And longer-term plans led by the Urban Growth Company will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000m2 of commercial space.

Twenty-two new apprenticeships will also be available through the contract, providing opportunities for local people along with many supply chain contracts up for grabs for regional businesses.

HS2 's Interchange Station will be the catalyst for huge growth plans in Solihull, creating an economic transformation for the region.

This forms part of the wider UK Central Hub area plans for 70,000 jobs, 8,000 new homes and 650,000m2 of commercial space, generating £6.2bn GVA per year and bringing 1.3m people to within a 45-minute public transport commute of the station.

In 2023, after an initial 12 month planning stage, Laing O 'Rourke will start the detailed design. HS2 's main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI are currently preparing the site ready for construction to start in 2024. The station is due for completion in 2027 in advance of the railway opening between 2029 and 2033.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “When we think of Levelling Up in action, HS2 epitomises the potential we can and must unleash by backing the right schemes. HS2 will reinforce our region 's place at the heart of the UK economy when it starts operating but it is already delivering for the West Midlands today - through job creation, opportunities for local businesses and of course this new station contract.

“This announcement demonstrates once again that HS2 is a flagship Levelling Up project for the UK and will continue to catalyse investment into the West Midlands. ”

Mark Thurston, HS2 's CEO, said: “Interchange Station will be transformational for the Midlands, with fantastic opportunities for people and businesses in the region being created right now, years before the station is open.

“The design of Interchange will make it one of the most sustainable stations anywhere in the world. Harnessing the latest green technology and designs will provide exciting jobs, training and supply chain opportunities, as we begin to build a world-class transport hub for the UK. ”

Declan McGeeney, director of UK Infrastructure at Laing O 'Rourke said: “We 're proud to have been appointed to such a significant project for HS2 and for the Midlands region.

“Our teams have delivered major rail projects across the UK and we 'll be drawing on our experience of using modern methods of construction (MMC) to ensure project certainty. ”

Pictured (from left): Declan McGeeney, Mark Thurston and Andy Street