With work on the first phase of the rail scheme linking London to Birmingham set to go ahead, Ian Weinfass looks at the timeline of imminent procurement information for the project
By the end of March
The period by which completion of the project would be further significantly delayed if work has not begun, according to the recent National Audit Office report.
The Doug Oakervee-led review said the project should consider reprocuring some or all the main contracts
The scheme is waiting for the official notice to proceed to be signed off by government, finalising civils contracts and allowing work to begin in earnest. It was originally due in June last year. The Oakervee Review says HS2 should consider reprocuring some or all of the main contracts to lower prices before issuing the notice.
Spring
Relaunch of procurement for overhead track electrical works, trackside M&E, tunnel M&E and ventilation – after a weak appetite from bidders last year. These are now broken down into smaller packages following feedback.
Procurement opens for design and build of £247m Washwood Heath depot and integrated control centre.
Summer
Launch of Birmingham Interchange station (pictured, below) procurement, along with information about its contract value. A scoping exercise for the Solihull station opened last year. Design plans were revised last month.
Announcement of shortlist of up to five firms for the design-and-build contract of Birmingham’s £541m Curzon Street station. The terminus is due to open in 2028.
Autumn
Procurement for main works delivery partner for phase 2a set to open. This section of the route, from Birmingham to Crewe is still awaiting final parliamentary sign-off.
