Almost 3,000 people have had their say on ambitious plans for a new rail station at Golborne in Wigan – the first to be built in Greater Manchester for more than 20 years. The consultation, which ran from 4 January 2024 to midnight Thursday 15 February 2024, received 2,898 survey
Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, has signed an agreement to develop the UK’s first vertiport testbed at Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire, the 444-acre estate dedicated to pioneering mobility technology, past, present and future. The new vertiport, which will include a compact
646 freight trains deliver a million tonnes of construction materials to HS2’s Quainton railhead, near Aylesbury, over 16 months – taking the equivalent of more than 101,000 HGV journeys off local roads… A small railhead near Quainton has helped HS2 take the equivalent of 101,000 HGV movements off local roads
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has been awarded a place on another public sector framework. The company has been selected as a contractor for Lot 5 of the Warwickshire County Council (WCC) Framework Contract
Network Rail is actively seeking construction and engineering partners for its ambitious £1.4 billion Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, a transformative project poised to reshape rail travel in the heart of England. Embark on a journey into the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, an extraordinary initiative set to revolutionise rail connectivity and
HS2’s first giant tunnelling machine – which launched almost 3 years ago – broke through today at the end of her 10-mile (16km) journey under the Chilterns, excavating the longest tunnel on the ambitious new rail project. The enormous 2,000 tonne Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named ‘Florence’, is one of
Former service personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force are receiving support to transition into new careers on HS2, Britain’s biggest build. 83 former service men and women have already moved into full-time roles on the project, with over 60 more taking up industry
Buckinghamshire Council this week gave the green light for HS2’s state-of-the-art maintenance hub, which will bring around 300 jobs to Calvert in Buckinghamshire. Taking its inspiration from the style of local agricultural buildings and the industrial heritage of the area, the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot (IMD) will house the people and
A £8.6m Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade is set to start as part of a major project between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Wirral Council to turn the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’. The upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council,
HS2’s London tunnels programme passed a major milestone as the third tunnel boring machine (TBM) being used as part of the project was launched. TBM Emily, named after Emily Sophia Taylor who helped establish the Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937 before becoming Ealing’s first female mayor in 1938, will be
Almost 3,000 people have had their say on ambitious plans for a new rail station at Golborne in Wigan – the first to be built in Greater Manchester for more than 20 years. The consultation, which ran from 4 January 2024 to midnight Thursday 15 February 2024, received 2,898 survey responses. It gathered views on the proposed station facilities and links to the local area, as well as information from respondents about their potential future use of the station. It also sought feedback on the facilities within the station, the location of a proposed new eastern access to Golborne town centre, accessibility features, car park improvements and active travel measures to support walking, cycling and wheeling. The responses to the proposals will now be considered to inform detailed designs and planning, before a final business case is submitted to the government. Cat Morris, Rail Programme Sponsor at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “As part of the Bee Network, the plans for a new station at Golborne aim to improve public transport connectivity for people in Golborne, Lowton and Leigh, as well as the broader borough of Wigan. “It was good to see so many peopled engaged with the proposals, and their feedback will help shape the best scheme possible.” Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “I am delighted that so many people have engaged with these ambitious proposals. “We want to deliver a station that people in Golborne are proud of, and it was hugely important that everyone had the chance to have their say to helps shape the plans. “This station would not only benefit those using public transport but also ease congestion for those who still need to drive – helping to reduce emissions and improve the health of the wider community. We are determined to transform how people travel across Greater Manchester and give them more choice through the Bee Network. “A new station at Golborne is a key step in our ambitions for local rail to be part of the Bee Network by 2030.” Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working in partnership with Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver the city-region’s first new railway station in more than two decades. Golborne currently has no direct bus, train or tram services to Manchester, so train services would reduce journey times into Manchester city centre by up to 30 minutes. The scheme forms part of significant investment locally to support GMCA’s ambitions to make local rail an integral part of the Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s vision for a joined-up London-style public transport system – by 2030. Leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux MBE, added: “I’m really encouraged that so many people shared their views with us on the ambitious plans for a new rail station at Golborne. “Our team have been out and about in the community talking to people, sharing the plans and hearing opinions over the last couple of months. “Work is now taking place behind the scenes to capture the views shared and will form the final plan. This is certainly an exciting time for Golborne!” The consultation was launched in January at an event attended by around 100 people, while TfGM and Wigan Council hosted a series of public drop-in sessions during the 6-week consultation period. People can still find out more about the proposals for the new station at: A new rail station for Golborne | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, has signed an agreement to develop the UK’s first vertiport testbed at Bicester Motion, Oxfordshire, the 444-acre estate dedicated to pioneering mobility technology, past, present and future. The new vertiport, which will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal, will be a critical facility for testing ground infrastructure and flight operations and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. The vertiport, positioned adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways, will continue the airfield’s long history of aerospace innovation. It will also align with Bicester Motion’s strategic vision to integrate both traditional and vertical aviation operations from its airfield. Developed as part of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium and backed by Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge, the vertiport will serve as a key node for early vertiport network planning and demonstrations, as well as for the Consortium’s wider testing programme and public and stakeholder engagement. This will include being flown at by Vertical Aerospace, the global company developing one of the world’s most advanced electric aircraft in the UK, to conduct demonstration flights and test key procedures ahead of commercial launch. Skyports will aim to open the doors to its UK vertiport by the end of 2024 to align with the AMEC testing programme. In October 2022, Skyports launched a “Living Lab” terminal in the USA with renowned aircraft partner Joby Aviation. Also in 2022, Skyports inaugurated its European vertiport testbed with Groupe ADP in France. In February 2024, Skyports, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and Joby Aviation penned an agreement to launch commercial air taxi services in Dubai by 2026. The UK vertiport design, which has been submitted to Cherwell District Council, has drawn inspiration from Skyports’ existing testbeds in Paris and California. The strategic location of Skyports’ Bicester Motion vertiport, approximately 1 hour 40 drive from central London by road and close to Oxford and the Cotswolds, will demonstrate how air taxi services will provide a vital link between urban centres, regional, tourism and retail hubs. By air taxi, the same journey will take less than 25 minutes. Duncan Walker, chief executive officer, Skyports, said: “Our vertiport at Bicester Motion is ideally located to serve as a central hub for the UK’s advanced air mobility industry. “The facility will be employed by Skyports and our strategic partners to test and refine all aspects of our ground technology and operations within a UK context. This will also be a key location for early demonstration flights in the UK and will help to pave the way for permanent operations in the future.” Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “Our agreement is a major step for UK aviation innovation. Partnering with such an innovative company as Skyports is not only a significant boost to Oxfordshire’s aviation cluster but also will facilitate the development and accessibility to a new sustainable, low-carbon and futuristic mode of transport across the world. “This news reflects the next chapter in Bicester Motion’s evolution of aviation and presents the opportunity for Bicester and the county to be at the forefront of this exciting pioneering industry. “We have already had successful specialist drone flight testing from the airfield and these eVTOLs will use electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically meaning that noise is to a minimum and pioneering sustainable flight and travel are nearer a reality.” Gary Cutts, challenge director – Future Flight, Innovate UK, said: “The UKRI Future Flight Challenge was launched with the objective of accelerating the development and integration of innovative aviation solutions for UK industry and communities. Through flagship projects such as AMEC, we’re ensuring that the UK remains firmly on the map as a leading contributor to the next generation of aviation. Skyports’ vertiport at Bicester Motion is instrumental to this objective. As a hub for researching, testing and demonstrating ground and air operations for the advanced air mobility industry, it will play a significant role in developing a UK vertiport network and implementing commercial air taxi services in the future.” James Richmond, head of advanced air mobility at consortium leader AtkinsRéalis said: “This vertiport testbed will help to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility of air taxi services in the UK. It is also an ideal opportunity to optimise the passenger journey, taking into account key factors such as processing time, security and accessibility – bringing to life the future of air transport for the public and key stakeholders”. Andrew Macmillan, chief commercial and strategy officer at Vertical Aerospace, said: “At Vertical we are pioneering a new, hassle-free way to travel with zero emissions, but we can’t do this alone. Creating the right infrastructure is critical to getting electric aircraft into the air and the UK’s first vertiport will help accelerate this by providing crucial learnings to the industry. Along with our partners we are excited to show the world the benefits of electric aviation.” Skyports’ new vertiport at Bicester Motion will include: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
646 freight trains deliver a million tonnes of construction materials to HS2’s Quainton railhead, near Aylesbury, over 16 months – taking the equivalent of more than 101,000 HGV journeys off local roads… A small railhead near Quainton has helped HS2 take the equivalent of 101,000 HGV movements off local roads across Bucks, Oxfordshire and West Northants, it is revealed today. The company building Britain’s new high-speed railway confirmed that its construction hub at Quainton, Bucks, has now received more than a million tonnes of construction material by rail carried by 646 trains – offsetting the need to transport the material by road. Situated on an existing freight line north of Aylesbury, the railhead is expected to welcome an extra 1,400 freight trains over the next two years taking the total amount of material delivered to around 3 million tonnes. This is on top of a million tonnes already delivered by rail to previous railheads in the local area, meaning that HS2 has now taken a combined total of two million tonnes of material or 217,000 HGVs off local roads and saved 22,378 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of 22,300 single passenger flights from London to New York. Once on site, most of the material – mainly aggregate used for construction – is stockpiled before being moved up or down the line of route of the new high-speed line on a series of dedicated haul roads to keep it away from local road users. The HS2 project is fast approaching the peak of construction, with breakthrough on the longest tunnels earlier this week. Once complete, the railway will almost half journey times between London and Birmingham while freeing up space on the existing west coast mainline for more local services. Welcoming the milestone, HS2 Ltd Senior Project Manager Ben Sebastian-Green said: “We know that the local community are concerned about construction traffic, so it’s great to be able to get so much material into site by rail. Not only does it take traffic off local roads, but it also saves carbon and helps to streamline our logistics. “Once complete, HS2 will improve journeys between London and Birmingham and free up space on the existing West Coast Mainline for more local services – and it’s great that, alongside delivering zero carbon journeys for passengers, we’re also cutting the amount of carbon in construction.” The railhead is managed by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall. EKFB are delivering the central section of the project, including 15 viaducts, 81 bridges and two ‘green tunnels’. They worked with a team from Network Rail who completed a series of alterations to enable freight services to operate in and out of the railhead at Quainton. EKFB’s Head of Logistics and Security, Paul Bedford, said: “Moving material by rail was always an essential part of our strategy to help deliver this project efficiently. The original strategy was to utilise existing railheads across neighbouring counties and move the material the last few miles to site by road. We quickly realised that there was an opportunity to establish our own railheads within the project area, and through the hard work of all involved, we turned this opportunity into a reality. “The railheads are now taking large volumes of HGVs off the local road network, reducing our carbon footprint through fewer road journeys, and helping to generate significant financial savings by using a more cost-effective distribution system.” The railhead is operated by Fishbone Solutions on behalf of EKFB with trains operated by DC Rail and GB Railfreight on behalf of Hanson. Director at Fishbone Logistics, Paul Clews, commented:“What started with an initial trial of 100,000 Tonnes to the first railhead at Calvert North, the support and cooperation from EKFB, HS2, the quarry and the rail logistics supply partners, to deliver the two millionth ton to the fourth railhead at Quainton Road, has been a fantastic collaborative effort. Zero safety incidents, reduced carbon and transport costs, and more than 200,000 truck journeys taken off local roads is a great achievement by all involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects has been awarded a place on another public sector framework. The company has been selected as a contractor for Lot 5 of the Warwickshire County Council (WCC) Framework Contract for the Provision of Engineering and Construction Works. Work under Lot 5 of the Framework will typically involve the construction – or the design and construction – of major highway, structural and other civil engineering works, including agricultural buildings and waste management site works. As well as operational competences, Health and Safety (H&S) and design credentials will be a key focus. Winvic’s exemplary safety record for its highways works delivery, it’s robust H&S cultural change programme – Doing It Right – as well as its tried and tested digital design and Net Zero construction capabilities are all substantial merits which helped the company to secure the Framework place. Winvic’s team will initially spend time detailing compliance and operation processes and preparing for future projects. Winvic’s Social Value team will also be strategising and planning to deliver activities against the Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) set out by WCC. Rob Cook, Director of Civils and Infrastructure at Winvic, said: “As always, the Winvic team worked exceptionally hard to demonstrate our credentials in the tender for Lot 5 of Warwickshire County Council’s Highways Framework and we’re delighted to be working with another county council. We have collaborated with the local authority previously when delivering projects within their boundaries and we’ll now build on that already strong relationship.” “We’re delighted that WCC share our vision of putting the safety of the public and our workforce first, while balancing the speed of operations with budgets, and we aim to maintain our highways works zero per cent accident rate. Plus, with our long-standing commitments to social value, sustainability and innovation, we’re well placed to drive forward-thinking programmes, environmentally focused and Net Zero schemes that really make a difference to local people. The whole team is looking forward to delivering their first project under the highways Framework in Warwickshire.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail is actively seeking construction and engineering partners for its ambitious £1.4 billion Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, a transformative project poised to reshape rail travel in the heart of England. Embark on a journey into the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance, an extraordinary initiative set to revolutionise rail connectivity and economic prosperity across the region. Explore the key advancements and innovations that promise to bring unprecedented efficiency and growth. Picture a future where the pulse of England resonates with the smooth glide of trains along modernised tracks, fostering connectivity and driving economic expansion. Network Rail is set to realise this vision through a monumental £1.4 billion project that aims to overhaul the railway infrastructure in the Midlands. The Midlands Rail Hub Alliance represents a pivotal moment in the region’s transportation evolution, heralding an era of elevated connectivity and economic advancement. A Revolutionary Partnership More than just an infrastructure endeavour, the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance is a bold initiative reshaping the future of rail travel in the Midlands. Network Rail, in collaboration with a consortium of multidisciplinary partners, leads this ambitious venture. Together, they are crafting a series of enhancements, including new platforms and sidings, the introduction of up to two new chords into Birmingham Moor Street, and the expansion of an existing viaduct. But the transformation doesn’t end there. Upgrades to the power supply, new freight loops, and the implementation of new overhead line equipment (OLE) are also on the agenda. These changes, coupled with comprehensive signalling works, promise to optimise operations like never before. Innovative Collaboration through Alliance Contracts At the heart of this monumental undertaking is a commitment to collaboration and efficiency, epitomised by the use of a modified NR35 alliance contract. Built on the NEC4 alliance contract framework, this strategic move aims to cultivate a sense of cooperation and shared responsibility among all involved parties. By entering into a single alliance contract, Network Rail and its partners commit to working together, ensuring precision and harmony in every aspect of the project. This innovative approach not only sets a new standard for project management but also underscores the collective dedication to achieving a common goal: a revitalised and thriving Midlands rail network. Navigating Towards Progress As the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance gains momentum, the project’s impact extends beyond the tracks. This endeavour is about more than just enhancing railway infrastructure; it’s about unlocking the region’s full potential. Improved connectivity signifies more than just reduced travel times; it represents strengthened local economies, increased accessibility for communities, and a greener, more sustainable mode of transportation. By laying the foundation for a modernised rail system, Network Rail and its allies are not just reshaping the Midlands landscape; they’re paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future. The road ahead is marked with challenges and opportunities, but one thing is certain: the Midlands Rail Hub Alliance serves as a beacon of progress and innovation. As we gaze towards the horizon, the commitment to a revitalised rail network inspires hope and anticipation for the transformative future that lies ahead. For more details on this groundbreaking project and its mission to redefine travel in the Midlands, please visit the official Network Rail website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s first giant tunnelling machine – which launched almost 3 years ago – broke through today at the end of her 10-mile (16km) journey under the Chilterns, excavating the longest tunnel on the ambitious new rail project. The enormous 2,000 tonne Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named ‘Florence’, is one of 10 machines excavating the 32 miles of tunnel on the new railway linking London Euston with Birmingham and was the first to launch, in May 2021. The breakthrough is a major milestone for the HS2 project, which will almost halve journey times between Britain’s two largest cities, while freeing up space for more local services on the most crowded part of the existing West Coast Main Line. Two identical TBMs were used to create the twin-bore Chiltern tunnel, which stretches from the South Portal near the M25 to South Heath in Buckinghamshire. Parallel tunnels will carry north and south bound trains with a second TBM, named ‘Cecilia’, due to breakthrough in the coming weeks. Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This ground-breaking moment for HS2 demonstrates significant progress on the country’s largest infrastructure project, with ‘Florence’ paving the way for faster, greener journeys between London and Birmingham while supporting hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships along the way. “Today’s breakthrough of HS2’s longest tunnel highlights the momentum behind the project and the achievement is testament to the hard work and dedication of the 450-strong team helping deliver the line that will transform rail travel for generations to come.” Designed specifically for the geology under the Chilterns, each TBM is an underground factory – excavating the tunnel, lining it with 56,000 pre-cast concrete segments and grouting them into place as it moves forward at an average speed of 16m per day. Four similar TBMs are being used for the London approach tunnels, while another two will work on Birmingham’s Bromford tunnel. Preparations are also underway for the launch of two more machines to excavate the Euston tunnels. The breakthrough comes a week after HS2 published new research which shows how the impending arrival of high speed rail will drive a £10 billion economic boost for the West Midlands during the next 10 years, with a huge increase in new development around the two station sites. HS2 Ltd Executive Chairman, Sir Jon Thompson, said: “Today is an incredible day of HS2 and I’d like to thank the hundreds of people who’ve worked so hard over many years to make it happen. Once complete, HS2 will dramatically improve journeys between our two largest cities and also free up space on the existing mainline for more local trains. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but historic moments like today really underline the huge amount of progress that’s been made and the fantastic engineering skills we have on the project.” Both machines launched from the South Portal and are operated by HS2’s main works contractor, Align – a joint venture formed of three international infrastructure companies: Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick. The machines are made by TBM specialists Herrenknecht, in Germany. Each TBM is operated by a crew of around 17 people, working in shifts to keep the machines running 24/7. They are supported by over 100 people on the surface, managing the logistics and maintaining the smooth progress of the tunnelling operation. In total, more than 450 people have worked on the tunnels and in support teams on the surface over the last 3 years. This includes a dedicated team which produced 112,000 precision-engineered, fibre-reinforced concrete tunnel wall segments at a purpose build temporary factory at the South Portal who completed their work just before Christmas – and a team processing the spoil from the tunnels. Align’s Project Director, Daniel Altier said: “The typical drive for a TBM is 5-6km and therefore the challenges in completing at 16km drive should not be underestimated. “Florence and her sister TBM Cecilia were designed in partnership with Herrenknecht. They incorporate a number of innovations and technologies that have been introduced on TBMs in the UK for the first time, to enhance performance and safety. This includes ‘semi-continuous boring’, allowing our TBMs to build the rings that line the tunnels without pausing. “The mining of the tunnel is a fantastic achievement for not only the Align tunnelling team but also the earthworks team who have managed chalk excavated from the tunnels and placed on site, along with many other supporting functions. I would also like to acknowledge our supply chain partners, including TGT that provided the teams to operate the TBMs and MS with whom we designed and operated the slurry treatment plant, with 24 filter presses it is the largest in the world.’” The 3 million cubic metres of chalk and other material removed during the tunnelling is being used to create an ambitious grassland restoration project at the south portal, which will include 127 hectares of new landscaping, wildlife habitat and biodiverse chalk grassland. The chalk, which is pumped back through the tunnel in a slurry mixed with water, is processed at a slurry treatment plant at the south portal site where the flint is removed and water extracted before it can be reused in landscaping. Chalk grassland – a type of calcareous grassland – is habitat of international conservation importance mainly found on limestone and chalk valleys of south-east England and the Isle of Wight. Lime-rich, but low in nutrients, the thin soil holds little water and heats up quickly. These conditions encourage a huge variety of smaller herbs and wildflowers and over 40 species can be found in one square metre of grassland, including some of the UK’s rarest orchids and invertebrates. Only 700 hectares of chalk grassland exist across the whole of the Chilterns AONB. At its deepest point, the tunnel is 80m beneath the Chilterns and passes under the M25, local railway lines and twice under the River Misbourne. Extensive water quality, groundwater level and surface water flow monitoring was put in place prior to the start of construction, and
Former service personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force are receiving support to transition into new careers on HS2, Britain’s biggest build. 83 former service men and women have already moved into full-time roles on the project, with over 60 more taking up industry placements and hundreds benefiting from mentoring to support their adjustment to life outside of military service. The scale and complexity of HS2’s construction requires a diverse workforce with a broad range of skills and talents. By teaming up with community interest company BuildForce, HS2 has opened the doors to its 350 worksites and given ex-forces personnel an opportunity to apply their transitional skills in a completely different setting. HS2’s civils construction partners have all embraced the partnership with BuildForce, going the extra mile to provide mentors, coaching and wrap around support services to promote mental health and wellbeing. The transitional nature of HS2’s work placement programme, as a stepping stone into employment, has to date seen candidates progress into logistics, engineering, health and safety and project management roles, with some candidates progressing into senior management positions. HS2’s Head of Legacy, Natalie Penrose explains: “We’re committed to supporting our ex-service men and women and value the huge contribution they are already making to the delivery of Britain’s new railway. “As we begin the transition from civils to rail, more new jobs will be created at HS2 and within our supply chain, and we’re confident the ex-forces community will continue to play an important role.” Andrew Mackinnon served in the Royal Air Force as an IT security specialist but on leaving military service, he struggled to find employment that matched his skillset. Andrew approached BuildForce for support and they referred him directly to Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands. Recognising Andrew’s valuable skills, the BBV team offered Andrew a paid work placement, which he began in November 2023. Now three months into his role, Andrew is a valued member of the BBV Innovation team, where he focuses on implementing new work processes and driving efficiencies across the project. Andrew commented: “Joining Balfour Beatty VINCI marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in my career, after leaving the Royal Air Force last year. I’m really enjoying working on this iconic infrastructure project, which I feel is the perfect platform to relaunch my career from. The transition has been made much easier thanks to the support I’ve received from Buildforce and BBV throughout this entire process.” Speaking about the HS2 partnership, Caroline Logan, Programme Director at BuildForce said: “The depth of the skillsets within our military community is constantly responding to the changing needs of HS2 and we look forward to the future, supporting more ex-military candidates onto the project.” With three new world-class stations to be built, there are hundreds more career and work placement opportunities to come on HS2. Ex-forces personnel interested in finding out more are invited to attend an exclusive project day at HS2’s giant superhub station in Old Oak Common, West London. HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA is hosting the event, in partnership with BuildForce, to provide a behind the scenes tour and greater understanding of the breadth of careers available. For further information and to register for the event, which takes place on 24 April, visit https://www.buildforce.org.uk/events/buildforce-armed-forces-project-day-with-hs2-joint-venture-balfour-beatty-vinci-systra-bbvs/For information about careers and opportunities on HS2, visit hs2.org.uk/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Buckinghamshire Council this week gave the green light for HS2’s state-of-the-art maintenance hub, which will bring around 300 jobs to Calvert in Buckinghamshire. Taking its inspiration from the style of local agricultural buildings and the industrial heritage of the area, the Infrastructure Maintenance Depot (IMD) will house the people and equipment that will keep HS2 running smoothly and efficiently, day in, day out. The approval is a major milestone for HS2 – which will almost halve journey times between Britain’s two largest cities, while freeing up space for more local services on the most crowded part of the existing West Coast Main Line. Approved under schedule 17 of the HS2 Act, the depot will be halfway between the villages of Calvert and Steeple Claydon. It will include workshops, offices, storage and training facilities as well as a base for the British Transport Police. The main buildings will be clad with naturally aging red brick – as a nod to the Calvert brickworks which operated throughout most of the twentieth century before closing in 1991. Gently curved roofs, timber and low-reflection metal finishes will also help to reduce the visual impact of the buildings. During the design process, the size of the depot area has been cut by 33% with the track layout reduced and simplified in order to speed up construction and cut disruption for the community. This smaller footprint also means that there will be 600,000 cubic metres less excavation required. Recent design work has also increased the amount of landscaping and new woodland planting that will screen the depot from Steeple Claydon, with around 15,000 trees and 20,000 shrubs set to be planted amid new woodland paths, ponds and other wildlife habitats. Iain Smith, HS2 Ltd’s Systems Delivery Director said: “Once complete, HS2 will dramatically improve journeys between our two largest cities and also free up space on the existing mainline for more local and freight trains. “The maintenance depot at Calvert will be at the heart of the HS2 project – keeping the new railway running smoothly every day and supporting around 300 jobs. It’s great to get the green light for the design, and we look forward to making the vision a reality.” Sustainability is at the heart of the design. The Calvert IMD will achieve a minimum of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, under the world’s leading sustainability assessment method. Materials have been carefully selected for the building and landscaped areas; for their appearance, low maintenance and longevity, as well as low-carbon, sustainable considerations. The depot will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with landscaping to block noise and light. A fleet of dedicated On-Track Maintenance trains will be based at the depot, accessing the mainline at night – while the HS2 trains are not running – to maintain the track and systems. Connections to East-West Rail (EWR) – which passes to the south of the site – will also allow heavy equipment and materials to be delivered to the depot by rail. To reduce disruption for the community and speed up construction, HS2 contractors also built two bridges, one underpass and 3.4km of adjacent earthworks for EWR where the two projects cross. Addison Road and Gawcott Road are both now reopen. The depot was designed by HS2’s design contractor WSP, working with architects Grimshaw and Grant Associates. The earthworks and landscaping are being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. A separate contractor will be appointed to build the depot. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £8.6m Woodside Ferry Terminal upgrade is set to start as part of a major project between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Wirral Council to turn the area into a ‘vibrant and unique waterfront destination’. The upgrade is being made possible by Levelling Up funding from Wirral Council, which is currently consulting on a £23m Masterplan to breathe new life into the area. The terminal is set to reopen from summer 2025 following complex engineering work to install a new landing stage and linkspan bridge. It follows a multi-million-pound modernisation of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, supported by a £7m investment from Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Combined Authority, which completed in October 2022. The Woodside scheme is part of a wider investment to secure the future of the iconic tourist attraction. In December last year, Mayor Rotheram signed a £26m contract with nearby Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird to build the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years. Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “The Woodside Ferry Terminal was constructed in 1985, it’s almost 40 years old and in need of modernisation so we’re able to keep up with the needs of a growing and diverse population. This is a great opportunity for us to improve the area for residents however, it’s also a prime time to start encouraging even more tourists to explore the other side of the water by bringing Mersey Ferries back to the area and restoring the service between Woodside and Pier Head, improving the transport links for residents and visitors alike.” Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “We’re excited about the next stage of plans to develop the Woodside Ferry Terminal. This latest regeneration will include developing the space from Argyle Street/Conway Street roundabout down to the Terminal and include improving the landscaping around the area. It will also create more accessible walking and cycling spaces and better connections between the Central Birkenhead retail area and the Waterfront, for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users.“In addition to the plans which are to be delivered over the next couple of years, part of the process in drafting the masterplan has been to generate new ideas to be implemented in the longer term such as the extra-large floating pontoon or a historic ship in the dock as part of a visitor attraction. The consultation, which is open now, is giving everyone to the chance to view these proposals and have their say and we’re encouraging everyone to take part.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s London tunnels programme passed a major milestone as the third tunnel boring machine (TBM) being used as part of the project was launched. TBM Emily, named after Emily Sophia Taylor who helped establish the Perivale Maternity Hospital in 1937 before becoming Ealing’s first female mayor in 1938, will be used to dig almost half of the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel. She will bore 3.4 miles under Ealing from Victoria Road Crossover Box, near HS2’s new Old Oak Common station, to Greenpark Way in Greenford. HS2’s London Tunnels contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture, assembled the TBM underground at the Victoria Road site after being lifted in parts and lowered into a shaft. Manufactured by world-leading tunnelling experts, Herrenknecht in Germany, TBM Emily weighs 1,700 tonnes and has a 9.11m diameter cutterhead. The TBM is an earth pressure balance machine, which is designed specifically for the soft London clay that will be extracted from the ground. Speaking about the next TBM launching in London for HS2, Malcolm Codling, project Client Director, HS2 Ltd, said: “We are working at peak construction on HS2, delivering the tunnels which HS2 trains will travel through under London. The preparation to launch TBM Emily has been complex and we remain on schedule to complete the Northolt Tunnel in 2025.” The Northolt Tunnel will carry HS2 trains in and out of London – extending between the new Old Oak Common superhub and the outskirts of the capital at West Ruislip. The twin-bore tunnel is being built in two sections. Two TBMs, named Sushila and Caroline, are already constructing it eastward between West Ruislip and Greenford. Another two – Emily and Anne – are being used to dig the tunnel in the opposite direction from Victoria Road Crossover Box to Greenford. Emily and Anne’s tunnel drive will cover 3.4 miles of the tunnel in total – slightly less than those being used on the other section. Emily was launched today and Anne – the fourth and final Northolt TBM – will launch next month. The quartet of TBMs are all set to complete their journeys in 2025, when they will be extracted from the ground through giant shafts at Greenpark Way. The London Clay, that will be extracted to build the tunnel, will be taken away from Victoria Road Crossover Box by conveyor, and taken to the London Logistics Hub at Willesden Euro Terminal. From there, it will be taken by rail and reused at sites in Cambridgeshire, Kent and Rugby. James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), said: “The HS2 London Tunnels team are well on the way to delivering a new railway into the heart of London with the launch of TBM Emily. Next month, we will be launching TBM Anne who together with Emily will form the tunnel from old Oak Common to Greenpark Way Shaft where they will meet with TBMs Sushila and Caroline, who are already halfway to completing their journeys from West Ruislip.” HS2 is also making progress on preparations on the separate tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston – the line’s ultimate central London terminus. The Atlas Road Logistics Tunnel breakthrough in January. The logistics tunnel is runs from the Old Oak Common Station box to Atlas Road logistics site and will facilitate the tunnelling operation to construct the Euston Tunnel. Two further TBMs will be delivered to Old Oak Common later this year, and placed into the underground box, ready to begin boring the Euston Tunnel. Following the Government’s Network North announcement in October last year, the funding and delivery arrangements for the Euston Tunnel are being reviewed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
