Since the official turf cutting back in September 2018, significant progress is being made on the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm project managed by lead shareholder, Innogy. Construction specialist Mick George Ltd has now been appointed on behalf of J. Murphy and Sons Ltd to complete Earthworks at the main
The STA has conducted a fresh assessment of large-scale solar costs which was explored with leading energy analysts & BEIS at an expert workshop today. The STA’s last assessment of solar’s Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), published in November 2014, had anticipated costs of around £80MWh in 2019. The updated
National Grid and its contractors Murphy Eltel Joint Venture have finished building the new 20km high voltage electricity line between Richborough and Canterbury to connect the Nemo Link®, into the UK’s electricity transmission system. The new line, consisting of 60 new pylons is the first to be built in Kent
Focus Consultants has been appointed to deliver sustainability services for a new East Coast Hub for the global leader in offshore wind, Ørsted, which is currently building the biggest offshore wind farms in the world. Currently in construction on the Royal Docks at Grimsby, Lincolnshire, the building will represent a
Energy Assets Utilities is playing a key role in ensuring that the 2,200 new homes planned for a major development in Wallyford, Scotland, will be at the leading edge of the digital revolution sweeping across the residential new build sector. With people’s increasing reliance on digital connectivity to support devices
Unless you have specific experience in electricity and power, you might not realise the effect that power quality can have on a building or business. Having power of the correct quality is very important for the smooth running of electrical equipment. If your business or organisation lacks adequate power quality,
Tate Consulting partnered with amber energy and MODA to provide an innovative energy and utility management solution for the fast-growing Build to Rent market. The COMM:UNITY scheme designed by amber energy will provide residents at MODA’s Angel Gardens 466 apartments in Manchester with the unique ability to pay one fee
A £4 million Highways England contract to upgrade the M271 Redbridge roundabout near Southampton Docks has been secured by Interserve, the international support services and construction group. “We are delighted to have secured another Highways England contract after our recent success on the A63 Princes Quay in Hull. Our works
GRAHAM has been appointed by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) to construct a new shielded Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Drum Store Extension and an Unshielded Waste Store Extension for shielded waste containers next to the existing Dounreay Cementation Plant (DCP) complex. Valued in excess of £22m, the complex works programme
HS2 will release images of two of its brand new stations, marking a significant milestone for the programme, cementing the project’s commitment to the Midlands and emphasising the region’s place at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The images will be released at Birmingham Library at the first
Since the official turf cutting back in September 2018, significant progress is being made on the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm project managed by lead shareholder, Innogy. Construction specialist Mick George Ltd has now been appointed on behalf of J. Murphy and Sons Ltd to complete Earthworks at the main onshore cable site off the A16 near Stickney. The firm will be stripping the easement where the cables will be placed for this 860MW project and will have the capability to transmit renewable electricity from the wind farm to more than 800,000 UK homes per year. This estimated £2bn renewable energy scheme will not be without its engineering challenges. It involves the installation of more than 57km of underground high-voltage electrical export cable in Lincolnshire. The route starts at the landfall location north of Anderby Creek, where the onshore and offshore cables connect. It runs to a new substation being constructed near Bicker, and then to the existing National Grid Bicker Fen Substation where the electricity from the offshore wind farm will ultimately connect into the grid. Both are on the outskirts of Boston More than 300 individual directional drills – a record for a UK infrastructure project – will ensure the onshore cables can be installed without obstructing any roads, highways, rivers or drains. Although the two-year onshore construction programme is underway, offshore activities are not expected to begin until late 2019. First energy generation could be as early as 2021. At the peak of the development, the project is anticipating upward of 3,000 employment opportunities. Michael George, Managing Director at Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’As a business that is well experienced in providing sustainable solutions through our waste management division, we recognise the importance of projects such as this and are excited to be involved.’’
The STA has conducted a fresh assessment of large-scale solar costs which was explored with leading energy analysts & BEIS at an expert workshop today. The STA’s last assessment of solar’s Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), published in November 2014, had anticipated costs of around £80MWh in 2019. The updated analysis for 2019 shows that solar has gone beyond the STA’s earlier expectations with LCOE costs of around £50-60MWh in 2019, a figure which is also significantly below BEIS’s 2016 Central Estimate of Electricity Generation Costs. Although costs vary significantly on a site by site basis, the findings confirm that under a long-term power purchase contract, solar could soon be the cheapest electricity generation technology in the UK. STA Policy Analyst Nicholas Gall, who undertook the study working with STA members over the past six months, said; “This is yet another example of the fast-moving solar power market outpacing official costs analyses. Our aim here is to provide an accurate assessment of where large-scale solar costs stand as we enter 2019, when we hope to see some revival of the UK large-scale solar market. We urge all organisations conducting low-carbon or energy cost analyses to make use of this up-to-date industry data, which comes directly from our members’ own experience of the UK market. We also urge decision-makers to understand how effective policy frameworks enable the lowest possible costs for solar, which will greatly benefit consumers.” Large-scale solar has been excluded from clean energy auctions in the UK since 2015, and the Renewables Obligation was closed in March 2017. This has left the sector to develop its own commercial routes-to-market, within a complex energy market heavily distorted by Government support for other technologies and facing significant policy uncertainties. The STA analysis presented today shows that solar can now deploy at around £50-60/MWh, making it highly competitive with CCGT and onshore wind, and attractive for commercial and industrial consumers under long-term Power Purchase Agreements. The analysis also underscores the high potential for UK content in large-scale solar and its contribution to GDP, with imported modules likely to form just 10% of total lifetime costs by 2030. A significant solar pipeline is widely expected to re-start in the UK in 2019, assisted in the short term by developer needs to build out previously stalled projects, and by a global module surplus. In the medium to longer term, the market outlook is supported by improved manufacturing efficiencies, higher gas price projections, and the UK’s growing need for clean generation capacity. However, the outlook is clouded by policy uncertainties such as Ofgem’s latest proposed changes to network charging, the future of carbon pricing given uncertainties over post-Brexit arrangements with the EU Emissions Trading System, and ongoing grid constraint challenges. Accompanying the cost figures released today, the STA sets out three targeted policy measures to facilitate growth of the large-scale solar market: Introducing a technology-neutral floor-price Contract for Difference auction; Enacting network access and charging reforms to enable storage + PV to realise its full potential; and providing a Climate Change Levy exemption for newly built zero-carbon generation procured through corporate renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs). Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of the Solar Trade Association said; “We have a clear message for Government and corporate energy buyers today: UK solar electricity is now cost competitive with fossil fuels. By establishing the right policy framework for solar and storage, including expediting a smart, flexible energy system, government can enable this technology to realise its full potential in delivering an affordable, low-carbon future energy system.”
National Grid and its contractors Murphy Eltel Joint Venture have finished building the new 20km high voltage electricity line between Richborough and Canterbury to connect the Nemo Link®, into the UK’s electricity transmission system. The new line, consisting of 60 new pylons is the first to be built in Kent for 25 years. A total of 260km of high voltage cables have now been placed on the pylons and have been tested, paving the way for the final testing and commissioning of the Nemo Link® interconnector, which will allow electricity to flow both ways between the UK and Europe. The Richborough Connection was necessary as there is no high voltage transmission network in the Richborough area to carry electricity from the interconnector. The construction work, carried out by 250 skilled workers at the peak of operations involved more than 6,000 crane lifts to put the new pylons into place for a route that crosses eight roads, three rivers and three rail lines in its journey across the county. Graham Dolamore, Project Director for National Grid said: “The completion of the Richborough Project is a significant milestone in the programme for these two projects which will allow power to flow between Britain and Belgium early next year, providing security of supply and greater opportunities for the UK to trade with wider European energy markets. “I’m proud to have been a part of this project and of the fact that we’ve worked closely with landowners and communities to get the connection built on time and with minimal disruption. It is another demonstration of the crucial role National Grid plays in making sure people across Kent and far beyond have the energy they need, when they need it.” Shane Jestin, Murphy Eltel Construction Director said: “It has been a tough but successful job all round, thanks to the hard work of all those involved. We’ve carried out more than 6,000 lifts and managed to hit challenging project deadlines thanks to a mix of thorough planning and excellent delivery.” More than 750,000 working hours were spent building the new overhead line. In addition, works were also carried out at Canterbury North substation and the new Richborough substation with both substations extended and equipment either installed or upgraded. This work was carried out by ABB and Siemens. Some small-scale works will be carried out over the coming months in preparation for the removal of UK Power Network’s overhead lines in 2020. Work on building the new 20km overhead electricity line between Richborough and Canterbury is now complete Line ready to connect Nemo Link®, a 1000 megawatt undersea interconnector between Belgium and the UK, into the UK’s existing high voltage network when it becomes fully operational in 2019 The two projects together will play an important role in supporting the security of energy supplies across Britain and the continent
Focus Consultants has been appointed to deliver sustainability services for a new East Coast Hub for the global leader in offshore wind, Ørsted, which is currently building the biggest offshore wind farms in the world. Currently in construction on the Royal Docks at Grimsby, Lincolnshire, the building will represent a state-of-the-art operations and maintenance hub to support both the construction and operation of Ørsted’s offshore wind farms, from which they currently operate more than 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of capacity with a further 2.6GW under construction. “The construction, operation and maintenance of such a large off-shore wind capacity necessarily requires a highly specialised and high-quality base from which to conduct activities,” said Focus partner Jason Redfearn. “The new O&M hub, being constructed by Hobson & Porter, will provide such a facility. As a part of this, Focus Consultants has been appointed to undertake a BREEAM sustainability assessment of the building’s design and construction. With a target of ‘Very Good’, this requires the implementation of sustainability standards that surpass those of UK Building Regulations.” Focus, which is based in Nottingham and has branches in Leicester, London, Newark and Boston in Lincolnshire, is a sustainability specialist and offers a range of energy and sustainability services including BREEAM assessment, with expert advice on sustainable building methods, building physics, Energy Compliance and Testing. Material selection within any development underpins the sustainable standards incorporated as part of the construction. The Ørsted O&M hub is targeting high scores within this section of BREEAM, which rewards those who procure materials with low environmental impact, including embodied carbon, over the life of the building. The scheme is also actively trying to manage the source of materials by selecting, where appropriate, suppliers that have EMS (Environmental Management Systems) in place. As part of the build, the development has set ambitious and high targets in relation to water consumption and conservation. Through the use of efficient fittings and flow restrictors, which decrease the water used and wasted, a 40% reduction in water use over the baseline amount calculated is achieved. In addition, water consumption through the construction process will be managed in accordance with BREEAM, with monitoring through all stages to incentivise efficiency. “Energy efficiency measures are also being incorporated into the design in order to reduce the overall building’s operational consumption,” added Jason Redfearn. “Photovoltaic panels will offset a proportion of the electrical energy requirements for the building, which otherwise would have been drawn from the grid. The development is targeting a performance which is the equivalent of an ‘Excellent’ rating under energy, even though the building is being developed to a ‘Very Good’ standard. This increased target exemplifies the desire of Ørsted to incorporate a sustainable approach into the design. “The Focus Consultants service for the project has, to date, entailed full consultation with the design team to create an environment within which each member of the team can feel engaged in the process and a close working relationship with the team to ensure the process is made as smooth and efficient as possible. Focus is delighted to have been appointed to work on such a high-profile scheme to support Ørsted’s sustainability aims.” Ørsted is creating the biggest offshore wind farms in the world off the Yorkshire Coast; Hornsea Projects One and Two’s 339 turbines will be able to provide enough electricity for well over 2.3 million homes, when the wind farms become operational in 2020, and 2022 respectively. For more information about Focus Consultants, visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk.
Energy Assets Utilities is playing a key role in ensuring that the 2,200 new homes planned for a major development in Wallyford, Scotland, will be at the leading edge of the digital revolution sweeping across the residential new build sector. With people’s increasing reliance on digital connectivity to support devices ranging from smart TVs, games consoles, and tablets to home security and energy control systems, superfast broadband is becoming a ‘must-have’ for home owners…and developers are responding. At Wallyford, Energy Assets Utilities has been responsible for laying the conventional gas, electricity, and water infrastructure up to the spine road running through the site, but is also leading on the roll-out of fibre-to-the-home. “The first few homes are now benefiting from superfast connectivity, with many hundreds more to follow to support lifestyles increasingly reliant on digital technology…and to connect to who knows what as we enter the era of the ‘Internet of Things’,” said Craig Topley, Energy Assets Group Managing Director (Construction). The Wallyford scheme is the largest multi-utility network design and construction project ever undertaken by EAU, with services now available not only for residential homes but also for a new primary school, currently being built, and potentially some commercial units. It’s all part of East Lothian Developments’ plans for a new community at St Clements Well, which stretches to the south, east and west of Wallyford. The construction project illustrates Energy Assets Utilities’s growing position as a leading provider of gas, electricity, water – and increasingly fibre cable – networks for residential and commercial schemes across Britain.
Unless you have specific experience in electricity and power, you might not realise the effect that power quality can have on a building or business. Having power of the correct quality is very important for the smooth running of electrical equipment. If your business or organisation lacks adequate power quality, it can cause all sorts of issues such as devices malfunctioning or even losing supply entirely. Utilising specialist equipment known as power quality analysers it is possible to track and understand power quality, as well as to get an idea of when you are having power quality problems. However, there are many different types of power quality issues, and to be able to come up with a solution, you need to understand what they are and how they work. Here are six of the most common power quality issues experienced by buildings and businesses, as provided by Outram Research, the world leaders in power quality monitoring. If you are suffering any of these, it could be having a huge knock-on effect to your productivity and even energy bills. Voltage dips A voltage dip occurs when there is an under voltage for a short duration. Technically this can be referred to as a reduction in supply voltage which is then followed by a recovery after a very short period of time. Typically, voltage dips are caused by a fault within your own system, and can also be caused by events such as starting up a large load. The impact of a voltage dip can vary enormously. It could be the cause of nothing more serious than flickering lights to serious tripping of important electrical loads. Voltage spikes or surges The opposite of a voltage dip is a voltage spike or surge. They occur when there is a rise in voltage and are categorised as a spike when they are almost instantaneous, and categorised as a surge when it has a longer duration. It is generally defined as a surge when voltage is measured to be 110 per cent or more above the normal. These events typically occur when electrical equipment us turned off, and a large amount of electricity that was being used returns to the system. This can cause problems for computer systems, as surges can see equipment switching off. Power sag Another common issue for power quality is known as a power sag. These are short-term events and they see a reduction in the voltage magnitude. Given that a small reduction in the system voltage can have very serious negative effects, it’s not surprising that sags can be extremely damaging to your computer system. Electrical line noise Electrical line noise is quite different from the problems listed above. This occurs when either radio frequency interference or electromagnetic interference causes negative effects in the circuits of computer systems. There can be many reasons for this occurring such as microwave radiation, broadcasting transmissions or electrical storms. You might not realise that line noise could be so damaging, but it can cause all sorts of errors and shutdowns on electrical devices. Under voltage Under voltage is a major problem. It can be caused by a variety of issues such as voltage regulator malfunctions, incorrectly configured transformers and excessive network load. There can also be other factors such as lack of reactive power support on a network. When systems experience under voltage it can lead to issues with overloading, as equipment may require an increased current to maintain power. Interruptions There are two different forms of total interruption of the electrical supply – short interruptions and long interruptions. Short interruptions are considered to be those than last for up to 1 or 2 seconds (although they can only last milliseconds), while long interruptions are those that have a longer duration than 2 seconds. The main causes of short interruptions are insulation failure and insulator flashover, but lightning can also be an issue. Long interruptions are typically an issue cause by equipment problems in the power system network such as storms, objects striking power lines and human error. Long interruptions can clearly be one some of the most disruptive power issues.
Tate Consulting partnered with amber energy and MODA to provide an innovative energy and utility management solution for the fast-growing Build to Rent market. The COMM:UNITY scheme designed by amber energy will provide residents at MODA’s Angel Gardens 466 apartments in Manchester with the unique ability to pay one fee for all utility bills. This unique approach to the BTR market provides several benefits, mainly a cost saving for residents, with just a single bill for electricity gas and water with no need to switch tariffs each year, or having to provide regular manual meter readings. Solar panels specified by Tate Consulting were also fitted to the roof of the apartment building alongside a combined heat and power unit, both of which provide electricity that can be used within the building, further reducing energy costs. Daniel Clegg, Managing Director of COMM:UNITY, said: “What we’re doing is unique. There are lots of advantages to this scheme which means one bill for all utilities so people aren’t dealing with lots of different energy providers. “People get their utilities at a better price because we look after the building as a whole and can pass on cost efficiencies and provide a bespoke ‘concierge’ level of customer service. 60% of households in the UK are on standard variable tariffs which cost about £200-£300 more a year. We also save money because we don’t have to pay for marketing or switching fees to people like Compare the Market.” To deliver the quality and cost advantages outlined above, Tate Consulting developed a bespoke Private Wire Electrical Distribution Network (BNO) to maximise the efficient delivery of the utility services at the lowest cost to customers. Jim Lee, Director at Tate Consulting based in Leeds and London said: “These private networks are designed to allow the infrastructures to adapt to changing trends and be sustainable for the BNO and management team throughout the life of the building. Tate Consulting worked with MODA from early concept into design development, partnering with amber energy to enable their COMM:UNITY scheme to be rolled out across MODA’s portfolio, including 515 New York Square apartments, which is part of MODA’s SoYo development in Leeds, and Lexington Liverpool a 34-storey tower with 304 apartments. Daniel Clegg said: “We have worked very closely with Tate Consulting on the Angel Gardens development and MODA portfolio as early as possible because, in the past, if we encountered any difficulties it’s often because it’s too late and difficult to change the design. “Working with Tate Consulting has been fantastic because they understood our needs from the start and MODA’s vision of how the properties will work when they’re live, so this avoided any such difficulties.” Further Information: Tate Consulting provides strategic, flexible, experienced and innovative approach in delivering engineering and management consultancy services for its clients globally. https://www.tateconsulting.eu Twitter: @Tate_Consulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tate-consulting/ The advantages and disadvantages of different electrical supply systems were investigated by Tate Consulting. This included (a) conventional metering with a district network operator (DNO), where the metering is centrally located, and the utility company supplies and installs the electrical infrastructure to the apartments; (b) an independent network operator (IDNO) who installs, owns and maintains the electrical infrastructure and (c) a building network operator (BNO) who installs and maintains the electrical infrastructure on behalf of the building owner. With the first two, the apartment users have their own individual meters whilst for the latter, the building owner meters and bills the individual tenants. The metering strategy uses “bulk” metered utility supplies for Electricity, Water and Gas, with MID compliant sub-meters being provided to the apartments for billing. Apartment and landlord meters connect to amber energy’s system data loggers via Mbus connections and amber energy monitor the MODA building portfolio to drive energy efficiency and sustainability across the portfolio to save money for residents and landlords. About amber energy® amber energy® is an energy management consultancy founded by Nick Proctor in 2009 to provide an honest alternative to the energy brokers on the market. Now in its 10th year of trading, amber is multi-award winning, including: Cardiff’s Fastest Growing Company; Energy Buying Team of the Year and Energy Firm of the Year. amber energy’s highly experienced industry experts provide a complete suite of in-house services to handle all requirements of the utility industry, including: Procurement, trading and risk Energy Bureau Energy Efficiency and Engineering New utility connections Water management Energy engagement projects Find out more at www.amberenergy.net
A £4 million Highways England contract to upgrade the M271 Redbridge roundabout near Southampton Docks has been secured by Interserve, the international support services and construction group. “We are delighted to have secured another Highways England contract after our recent success on the A63 Princes Quay in Hull. Our works on the Redbridge roundabout will benefit residents, businesses and ease congestion around Southampton docks,” said Wayne Howell, Sector Director for Highways. The scheme will see Interserve create a new free-flow, left-turn lane from the M271 to the Port of Southampton. The infrastructure division will also complete road-widening works to create four lanes on the roundabout to increase its overall capacity. Other associated works will include an additional toucan crossing which enables pedestrians and cyclists to cross together, replacing a footbridge and refurbishing an existing subway to the north of the junction. A major problem in this area of Southampton is congestion, with the M271 southbound to the A33 exhibiting average speeds of below 40 mph during peak hours which also impacts road safety. This scheme aims to reduce traffic delays on this important route into Southampton and create more reliable journey times for local, regional and port transport. Interserve is one of the world’s foremost support services and construction companies. Their core values are at the heart of everything they do. As leaders in innovative and sustainable outcomes for their clients and a great place to work for, Interserve offers advice, design, construction, equipment, facilities management and frontline public services. Headquartered in the UK and FTSE listed, Interserve has gross revenues of £3.7 billion and a workforce of circa 75,000 people worldwide.
GRAHAM has been appointed by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL) to construct a new shielded Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Drum Store Extension and an Unshielded Waste Store Extension for shielded waste containers next to the existing Dounreay Cementation Plant (DCP) complex. Valued in excess of £22m, the complex works programme on behalf of DSRL – the site license company contracted by Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) for the safe and secure clean up of the Dounreay nuclear site – begins later this month. Dounreay is Scotland’s largest nuclear decommissioning project and is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most challenging nuclear closure programmes. The site belongs to NDA, a non-departmental public body of the UK Government. The successful contract award follows a competitive tendering process involving several bidders, with the standstill period elapsing on Monday 24th September. The pre-construction phase is expected to take 25 weeks while construction is scheduled for a duration of 125 weeks. Continued transformation Commenting on the successful contract award Leo Martin, GRAHAM Managing Director – Civil Engineering, said: “Our knowledge of construction and delivery within a nuclear environment, combined with our experience in working with stringent safety systems, will ensure that we deliver assurance in the installation and validation of electrical and control equipment on site. “This is an important project on behalf of Dounreay Site Restoration Limited and will support the continued transformation of the Dounreay nuclear site into a safe, secure area. We have already established a strong partnership with Dounreay Site Restoration Limited, stretching back to early 2011, and will once again apply our collaborative approach and technical expertise to maximise the success of this project.” Long-term storage The project will see an existing above ground waste store extended to house intermediate level waste that is expected to be processed and packaged as part of the site’s clean up. Passively safe containers will be kept in long-term storage within the facility in accordance with Scottish Government policy. DSRL Construction Director, David Hubbard, said: “This contract represents an important step in the long-term management of the site’s waste. It is just one of several contracts being awarded to ensure we continue to reduce hazards and make progress towards the site’s interim end stage. The next few years will see us construct several new facilities to support the programme as well as starting to demolish a number of redundant structures.” Community development Around 100 people are expected to work on the project. GRAHAM is committed to a series of community development initiatives, including work placements and the recruitment of trainee positions. This is part of DSRL’s requirement for its supply chain partners to consider how they can support Caithness and North Sutherland’s socio-economic agenda. GRAHAM also plans to work with local training suppliers to develop its workforce involved in the project, particularly supporting some to achieve NVQ Level 2 and above qualifications. Nuclear expertise GRAHAM has a deep understanding of the Dounreay site and has already successfully completed a Grout Plant Facility and constructed two Low Level Waste Vaults involving the total excavation of 243,000m3 of rock. Demonstrating GRAHAM’s nuclear expertise further, it completed the regeneration of multiple, time-expired manufacturing and support facilities as part of an £80m Core Production Capability (CPC) Regeneration Project at Rolls Royce’s Nuclear Fuel Production Plant (NFPP) in Derby. In addition, GRAHAM is a strategic delivery partner of Low Level Waste Repository Limited (LLWR) as part of a four-year framework agreement, providing technical engineering, design and construction expertise at the UK’s national low level radioactive waste disposal facility in West Cumbria.
HS2 will release images of two of its brand new stations, marking a significant milestone for the programme, cementing the project’s commitment to the Midlands and emphasising the region’s place at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network. The images will be released at Birmingham Library at the first of a series of public engagement events during October, which give people the opportunity to see the new designs and give feedback. Curzon Street station in central Birmingham will be the first brand new intercity station built in Britain since 19th century, create a new landmark for the city and boost opportunities for regeneration in the city. Opening with seven high speed platforms in 2026, the new station will not only be for high speed rail passengers, it will be a brand new public space in Birmingham city centre. It will be fully integrated into an extended tram network, as well as offering pedestrian, cycle, taxi, bus and conventional rail connections to the rest of the city and the wider West Midlands. Interchange station will be a new major gateway station for the region, part of a new public transport interchange serving Solihull, the West Midlands, Birmingham Airport and the NEC. The station will help deliver longer term development and growth proposals for the area around the station, including new homes, business space and jobs. HS2 is also considering a number of extra elements to the scheme put forward by the Urban Growth Company (UGC) which aim to maximise the opportunities the new HS2 Interchange Station presents as a key catalyst for growth. WSP UK Ltd, working with Grimshaw Architects LLP is designing Curzon Street and Arup is designing Interchange station. Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, marked the start of works on the site of the future Curzon Street station last week. Works are well underway on 60 sites across the route from London to Birmingham, with over 7,000 jobs supported by the programme across the country on our way to 30,000 jobs at peak construction. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “These brand new stations will be catalysts for regeneration, creating jobs and opportunities for local people and economic benefits for Birmingham and the Midlands. Curzon Street station will put Birmingham at the heart of Britain’s new high speed network and enhance the rail connectivity for the city, whilst Interchange provides a once in a life time opportunity to help drive the growth of the region.” HS2 CEO Mark Thurston said: “Both of these new stations will be transformational for the Midlands and will create opportunities for regeneration, growth and economic benefits for the city and region. Preparatory work for the stations is well under way, with a variety of enabling works including the construction of access roads and archaeological investigations. “As part of our plans to deliver a ‘green corridor’ across the whole route, we’re also creating new ecological habitats, community and amenity spaces to help integrate the new line and our stations into the surrounding landscape and environment. All of this activity is already creating job opportunities not just in the region, but across the whole country.” Sir John Peace, Midlands Engine Chairman said: “HS2 is already a huge part of the Midlands’ success story, bringing jobs and investment with it. These pioneering new station buildings will showcase a rail revolution which has our transformed region at its core. “HS2 will be one of the most celebrated infrastructure projects in the world when trains start rolling in to Interchange and Curzon Street in 2026, with a regenerative ripple effect that will be felt across the Midlands. I can’t wait to see the stations take shape.” Both stations have been designed with features to make it easy and simple for passengers to navigate the stations, access the platforms and connect seamlessly to other forms of transport. HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Birmingham will be at the heart of HS2, and the transformation that is already taking place shows exactly how our new high-speed railway will drive forward regeneration and economic growth across the country. “Unveiling the station designs for Curzon Street and the Solihull Interchange is a milestone moment. These stations will be catalysts for local jobs and new homes, as well as giving passengers access to thousands more seats, more services and better journeys. “We also want HS2 to set a new benchmark for truly inclusive travel, creating a railway that works for everyone. The task for our designers and engineers is now to take these ideas from the drawing board to reality, building iconic stations that are accessible, safe and open to all, no matter their needs.” Carol Stitchman, WSP Design Manager on Curzon Street said: “As well as being a catalyst for regeneration, the new HS2 Curzon Street station will become a landmark destination, welcoming people to the heart of Birmingham. Our design recognises the station’s function as a place of arrival and connection. It is the only HS2 station that welcomes you with a view of the city, where you can see the city from the train, and the train from the city. “WSP has welcomed 16 new apprentices to the Curzon Street station project, as part of our 140-strong project team. We are committed to boosting the skills of Britain’s next generation while delivering this transformative project.” Neven Sidor, Lead Architect, Grimshaws, for Curzon Street station, said: “HS2’s new Curzon Street station is inspired by the best station design of the past, inspired by Britain’s pioneering railway and industrial heritage reimagined for the 21st century. The elegant sleek low arch which will make the station instantly recognisable in the surrounding area and its warm coffered soffit will join the growing list of modern Birmingham icons. The West concourse will have the ambiance of a modern airport terminal with both platform and waiting areas included in the grand arched space. The East concourse has been designed to include the historic
