More than £20m will be invested to improve the Metrolink network over the next 12 months, to ensure services remain safe and reliable for years to come. The UK’s largest light rail network has 99 stops across 64 miles of track – more than 700 million journeys have been made
The East Coast Digital Programme has taken a big step forward with the renewal of infrastructure successfully commissioned that now enables the Welwyn to Hitchin (W2H) ETCS overlay to be tested and proven, with engineers having worked around the clock between 17-20 February. W2H is Britain’s first instance of infrastructure
New research shows that the future arrival of HS2 in the West Midlands is already driving huge investor confidence in the region, with data pointing to an economic uplift of £10billion over the next 10 years. Economic analysis of the areas close to HS2’s three hubs in the West Midlands
HS2 has moved the first huge viaduct section into place over the motorway network in North Warwickshire, marking a milestone for the project’s Delta Junction as HS2 reaches peak construction in the region. Contractors working for HS2 have used a specialist push-pull technique to move the 84 metre, 300 tonne
Cordel Group, an artificial intelligence platform, has officially started its data contract with Network Rail to provide advanced data capture services on High Speed One (HS1). The AIM-listed company has successfully installed its equipment on trains, which now operate in daily service, delivering crucial engineering insights to the UK’s rail
Proposals for the development of three new railway stations in the West Midlands are underway, with Castle Bromwich, Coventry East, and Tettenhall identified as prime locations for potential stations. The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has allocated £1 million to advance the proposals, marking a significant stride in enhancing public
MoniRail, a leading expert in monitoring rail infrastructure, has secured a significant grant from the UK government’s prestigious SBRI Quantum Catalyst Fund. The Phase 2 award, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK, will enable MoniRail to spearhead the development of a groundbreaking quantum-based
Britain’s most extensive construction project, HS2, is proving to be a catalyst for the growth of small businesses. Recent data reveals that HS2’s civil contractors doubled their spending with SMEs (companies with 250 or fewer employees) in the financial year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Small and medium-sized businesses,
A new study by Juniper Research, the foremost experts in technology markets, forecasts substantial growth of 182% in the number of smart parking spaces within cities; from 5.8 million in 2024. Smart parking utilises a combination of sensors and real-time data to provide road users with information on closest available
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is close to reaching the halfway mark of its ambitious aim to take on 590 apprentices across the rail upgrade between Manchester and York, via Leeds and Huddersfield. The number of apprentices on the multi-billion-pound programme has reached 264, primarily recruited from locations along the
More than £20m will be invested to improve the Metrolink network over the next 12 months, to ensure services remain safe and reliable for years to come. The UK’s largest light rail network has 99 stops across 64 miles of track – more than 700 million journeys have been made on the trams since opening in 1992. The £21.4m funding – from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) – will ensure the network keeps on delivering safe, reliable and accessible services for millions more people into the future. Approved by the Bee Network committee on Thursday, the work is part of a planned £147m package to maintain, upgrade and improve the network up to 2027. Immediate priorities for this summer include track replacement in several parts of the city centre, including Piccadilly Gardens and London Road, and on parts of the Altrincham and Bury Lines. This will mean quicker, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers. Plans also include a programme of modifications to the trams themselves, installing state-of-the art systems to keep passengers safe. These include sensors in the middle of double trams and speed warning devices. New electrical substations are being added along parts of the Bury Line, providing additional power so that more doubles trams run in future. Metrolink is also replacing much of the communications network critical to the operation of its signalling and control systems. TfGM is also looking into the replacement of overhead lines on some of the older parts of the network such as the Bury Line, which caused several prolonged disruptions in 2023. Long-term benefits to passengers include better reliability and an improved experience for customers. The work will mean some short-term disruption, which will be planned to minimise inconvenience to passengers. Information about service changes and replacement bus services will be available well in advance of the work. Metrolink passenger numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels during the weekday peak times and even busier on weekends. With 130,000 journeys on an average weekday, work on the network is planned carefully to keep disruption to a minimum. Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “Metrolink is an integral part of the Bee Network, and it’s really important that we invest in it so that we can continue to provide a safe, reliable and positive experience for the thousands of people who travel with us every day. “This is a coordinated package of planned works to maintain, renew and improve the network and help to keep Greater Manchester moving, and while we understand any disruption can be frustrating, we’ll be doing everything we can to keep it to a minimum. “We will make sure passengers know what’s happening well in advance and I’d ask people to please bear with us while the works are carried out, as the benefits will be there to be enjoyed for years to come.” Upcoming works include: Further works are planned to take place throughout this – and subsequent – years. For full details of tram improvement works planned for this year, visit tfgm.com/tram-improvement-works Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The East Coast Digital Programme has taken a big step forward with the renewal of infrastructure successfully commissioned that now enables the Welwyn to Hitchin (W2H) ETCS overlay to be tested and proven, with engineers having worked around the clock between 17-20 February. W2H is Britain’s first instance of infrastructure commissioning towards a ‘no signals’ intercity mainline. The overlay is a critical part of ECDP’s delivery plan. To achieve the end goal of a ‘no signals’ railway on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line, it is necessary to create a section of the route that can be operated with both conventional and digital signalling. Drivers from all ECML operators will progressively be trained to drive in ETCS through the W2H overlay. Once all fleets are upgraded and all drivers trained, the progressive roll out of digital signalling throughout ECML (South) can rapidly follow. The W2H overlay will be a key enabler not just for ECDP but for the wider roll out of ETCS across the GB network. W2H commissioning has involved a ‘lite’ resignalling in preparation for system proving of the ETCS system. A new proving desk and Radio Block Centre will be put in place in York ROC, to enable the first overnight proving trains to operate from spring 2024. It is expected that migration to ETCS operations on passenger and freight services through the overlay section will begin in 2025. The W2H resignalling lite has included existing assets moving to Westrace Trackside System equipment, introducing three new Trackguard Westlock interlockings and associated infrastructure, trackside fringe alterations at Hatfield, Biggleswade, Hertford and Letchworth, and renewing the existing train detection with axle counters. Power works took place in the form of introduction of three new principal supply point feeders and replacing seven existing 650v feeders. Ed Akers, Principal Programme Sponsor for the East Coast Digital Programme, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved in reaching this point. The East Coast Digital Programme will deliver major upgrades for passengers as they travel by train in the future. “To reach this point and to implement digital signalling on the East Coast Main Line has meant a huge amount of collaboration between Network Rail, train operators, and other rail industry stakeholders through our unique industry partnership. “While commissioning Welwyn to Hitchin is a key enabler for the East Coast Digital Programme, it is also a significant step towards the rollout of digital signalling across the network.” Ben Lane, Project Director for Siemens Mobility & Infrastructure Sector Lead ECDP, said: “This delivery is a great testament of the 500+ tenacious people we had on various sites that ensured the safe completion of this programme of works. We can now start a period of system proving, getting us closer to a ‘no signals’ digital railway that will reduce future renewals and maintenances costs, improve reliability for passenger and freight services on the route and provide better return on investment of taxpayers’ money.” A spokesperson on behalf of passenger train operators said: “Our teams have been working hard over the last four days to keep passengers on the move and to get them to their destination as quickly as possible. “We know that changes to services are never ideal and we want to thank our passengers for their patience while Network Rail carried out this vital work.” Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, Rail Freight Group, said: “It is great to see real progress being made in ETCS development on the East Coast Main Line, with collaboration between freight operating companies, Network Rail and other partners ensuring that the solutions work for rail freight customers. This is a key step towards full deployment and we look forward to seeing further progress in coming months.” The first stage of ECDP is the Northern City Line (NCL) pathfinder project. This also involves an overlay between Finsbury Park and Moorgate on which Great Northern drivers are progressively being trained to drive in ETCS. After a series of proving runs and regulatory approvals, the first digitally signalled passenger train operated in November 2023. Currently around a quarter of NCL trains are being operated in ETCS and it is expected that the NCL will be a ‘no signals’ railway from early 2025. The NCL pathfinder is enabling the ECDP to ‘learn by doing’ and the experience being gained by the cross-industry collaboration will be invaluable to the effective delivery of digital signalling on the mainline, starting with W2H. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research shows that the future arrival of HS2 in the West Midlands is already driving huge investor confidence in the region, with data pointing to an economic uplift of £10billion over the next 10 years. Economic analysis of the areas close to HS2’s three hubs in the West Midlands – Curzon Street Station in central Birmingham, Interchange Station in Solihull, and the Washwood Heath Depot and Network Integrated Control Centre – shows dramatic increases in regeneration and investment in the last six years. Since Royal Assent was granted for the railway in 2017, the number of planning applications seen in a 1.5 mile radius around these three major HS2 hubs has increased by two-thirds. Over the same timescale, the area of total planned floorspace – including commercial and residential – has increased by 200%, and the planned number of new homes has increased by almost 500% – from 10,000 to 55,000 homes. According to independent research commissioned by HS2, this increase in investment activity far outstrips any rises in planned development outside of HS2’s impact zones and has occurred despite economic shocks caused by the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of increase in planned housing within HS2’s impact area has been 14 times greater than elsewhere in the region, with the uplift in total planned floorspace over four times greater. Since 2017, the construction value of major new projects in HS2’s three impact zones has increased by 240% – from £4.5bn to £15.4bn. This is further evidence of increased investment and activity around the three HS2 hubs. This building boom is contrary to activity outside of HS2’s impact zones, where the construction value of new planned projects has decreased by 16% in the same period – from £19.3bn to £16.3bn. The numbers and values of projects since 2017 are also much higher compared to an equivalent period before HS2 was given the green light in Parliament. Within its three impact zones, it is estimated that HS2 will be responsible for the generation of 41,000 additional homes, 704,000 square metres of new floorspace and 30,835 new jobs. Putting this in the context of the whole country, since 2017 the West Midlands has been the highest performing attractor of inward investment outside London and the South East, with the number of projects it attracted in 2022/23 second only to the capital. Sir Jon Thompson, Executive Chair at HS2 Ltd said: “This new research provides evidence that HS2’s future arrival is already driving transformational regeneration and investment in the West Midlands. It shows that investor appetite, regeneration and investment close to where we’re building our three key assets in the region has surged in the last six years. “Driven by the promise of enhanced connectivity and heightened investor confidence, HS2’s arrival is spreading prosperity and opportunity to the communities it touches for generations to come.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This research demonstrates that HS2 has delivered substantial investment and development opportunities in our region in recent years. “Whether it’s urban regeneration, improved local transport connections, increased housing provision and of course new jobs, HS2 is benefitting local people, businesses and our wider economy. “It’s vital that local people see the tangible benefits of major schemes like this.” Regeneration in places like Digbeth, Washwood Heath and Birmingham Eastside is already clear to see, with multi-million-pound development projects set to deliver new homes, venues, offices, public spaces and leisure facilities. Digbeth Loc. Studios is the brainchild of writer, director and Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight. In partnership with TIME + SPACE, a specialist asset management company who are developing the studios, he is converting 80,000 sq. ft of abandoned Victorian and industrial buildings into a cutting-edge film and TV studio and flexible workspace venue. The studios aim to generate 760 local employment opportunities, fostering the growth of the next wave of creative talent. Steven Knight CBE said: “As a proud Brummie, it’s brilliant to see that the tide is turning in Digbeth, with creative businesses, animators, agencies and filmmakers creating a community and drawing investment and talent out of London. “The upcoming arrival of HS2, and the transformational connectivity it will bring has no doubt accelerated this renaissance. I can’t think of anywhere in the world I’d prefer to set up Digbeth Loc. Studios. “I look forward to creating world class films and television here, working alongside local crews and telling our stories to the world. With plans underway for thousands of new homes, tram extensions, better leisure facilities, the best is yet to come.” Located in the centre of Birmingham, and on the northern edge of the city’s £1.2 billon Paradise development, that is bringing ten new commercial buildings to the heart of the city, the 49-storey residential Octagon development features 370 Build to Rent apartments and will stand 155 metres tall, making it the city’s tallest building. The scheme is backed by global real estate investor City Developments Limited (CDL) of Singapore and is designed by local firm Howells Architects. Developed by MEPC and delivered by contractor Midgard, Octagon is due to complete in 2025, setting a new standard for UK residential development in a regional setting. Ross Fittall, Commercial Director at MEPC – the firm leading Birmingham’s Paradise redevelopment, said: “Construction of this key development is well underway and marks an essential part of the £1.2 billion mixed-use Paradise masterplan that includes up to ten new buildings alongside the city’s civic heart. Every day we move closer to the completion of a unique, world-class landmark for Birmingham as part of this wider investment. “There’s no doubt that the arrival of HS2 is having a significant influence on the increase in large-scale commercial and residential development investment, bringing high quality commercial, residential and leisure facilities to the city.” At HS2’s Interchange Station site in Solihull, Arden Cross is one of the UK’s most significant regeneration opportunities, with links to Birmingham International railway station, the NEC and Birmingham Airport. The 140-hectare site will support
HS2 has moved the first huge viaduct section into place over the motorway network in North Warwickshire, marking a milestone for the project’s Delta Junction as HS2 reaches peak construction in the region. Contractors working for HS2 have used a specialist push-pull technique to move the 84 metre, 300 tonne steel viaduct section into place over the westbound link road between the M6 and M42 near Coleshill. This is the first of two moves to install the deck for HS2’s ‘East Link Viaduct’, which is part of the triangular Delta Junction. The second operation in April will create the full 158 metre long composite deck over both westbound and eastbound motorway link roads. Further work, including in-situ concrete deck works and parapets installation will be undertaken to complete the structure. It was delivered by specialist steelwork company Victor Buyck Steel Construction (VBSC), working on behalf of HS2’s main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). Using a push-pull jacking system which gives greater flexibility during the launch operation, it was the first time VBSC have used their specially designed technique in the UK. The team completed the move ahead of schedule in a total of 11.5 hours during a weekend closure of the motorway link roads. Working in close collaboration with National Highways, the roads were re-opened at 2.35am on Sunday morning. Before the end of this year, a similar two-stage operation will move the identical ‘West Link Viaduct’ which runs parallel to the East Link Viaduct. This section of the triangular Delta Junction enables high speed trains to travel between London, Interchange Station in Solihull and Birmingham Curzon Street Station. Stephen Powell, Head of Delivery – Area North at HS2 Ltd said: “Building the East Link Viaduct in the Delta Junction is not only a key milestone for the HS2 project in the Midlands but is also critical to our earthworks mass haul strategy to keep construction traffic off the local roads. “While we continue to construct HS2 in this area, it will provide a crossing route over the highway for construction vehicles to move excavated material from the Bromford Tunnel to other work sites in the Delta Junction, removing thousands of lorry movements from the local road network.” Alex Staines, Sub Agent – Composite Structures at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Delivering this milestone is a really proud moment for me and the team. We’ve worked very closely with our partners National Highways to make sure that this activity was delivered safely and efficiently. “By using an innovative launching technique, we were able to build the viaduct deck offline and move it into position over a weekend closure of the highway, greatly reducing the impact on road users.” Tibo Suvée, Project Manager at Victor Buyck Steel Construction said: “Our team were pleased to deliver this successful operation, which was the first time our push-pull jacking system has been used in the UK. The technique provides greater flexibility during the launching operation by allowing the bridge to be moved backwards or both ways if needed. “This is really the first milestone of four, and over the next eight months we look forward to delivering the second launch of the East Link Viaduct and the same two-stage operation for the West Link Viaduct, which will complete these first viaducts on Delta Junction.” National Highways Senior Network Planner, Frank Bird, said: “This has been a complex and collaborative effort to both minimise disruption for people using our roads but also enabling this engineering feat to take place. “We are pleased with how smoothly the operation went and are grateful to road users for their patience while this ambitious work took place.” The first launch takes the viaduct section to its halfway position over the westbound link road. Following completion of the first launch, three further steel girders will be welded to the back of the first structure, and 40 precast slabs will be installed on top of the girders. In April, this entire structure, weighing 1,100 tonnes will then be moved to its final position over both westbound and eastbound motorway link roads. The Delta Junction is made up of embankments, cuttings and a total of 13 viaducts taking high speed tracks over motorways, local roads, existing rail lines, rivers and floodplains. The viaducts include 6 precast segmental viaducts, 4 composite viaducts and 3 low viaducts. The layout of the Delta Junction triangle means the railway from London curves west on a spur towards Birmingham Curzon Street Station. As trains come out of Birmingham, the line heads north to meet the main HS2 line, which will then connect to the West Coast Main Line to Manchester. The third side of the triangle allows trains to run between London and Manchester without stopping at Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cordel Group, an artificial intelligence platform, has officially started its data contract with Network Rail to provide advanced data capture services on High Speed One (HS1). The AIM-listed company has successfully installed its equipment on trains, which now operate in daily service, delivering crucial engineering insights to the UK’s rail infrastructure manager. The technology autonomously collects data from the HS1 route for Network Rail, uploading it seamlessly to the cloud. Utilizing routine automated surveys, it measures the height of overhead lines and the stagger of cables supplying power to trains on the track. The contract, awarded in October, marks a significant step in enhancing rail infrastructure management. HS1 operates routes connecting St Pancras International to the Channel Tunnel and facilitates connections to international lines, including Paris, Lille, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Mark Devereux, Head of Electrification and Plant at Network Rail High Speed, expressed satisfaction, stating, “On schedule, and within four months of contract award, Cordel has installed on-train equipment and rolled out automated data capture.” Looking ahead, Devereux anticipates that Cordel’s automated inspection management service and AI processing will enable rapid turnaround times. Cordel aims to provide Data-as-a-Service insights crucial for supporting efficient and safe engineering management of railway infrastructure maintenance and renewals. John Davis, CEO of Cordel, expressed excitement about expanding their world-leading technology to cater to HS1’s specific requirements. Cordel has successfully captured and processed data across more than 500,000 miles of international railway lines, resulting in unparalleled AI learning and data management experience. Recent disruptions on the high-speed route have led to increased scrutiny of Network Rail and operators like Eurostar. Cordel’s innovative approach aims to address these challenges and contribute to the efficient and safe functioning of the HS1 rail network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proposals for the development of three new railway stations in the West Midlands are underway, with Castle Bromwich, Coventry East, and Tettenhall identified as prime locations for potential stations. The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has allocated £1 million to advance the proposals, marking a significant stride in enhancing public transport links across the region. These stations, selected following a feasibility study, aim to address areas with high potential for improved rail access. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMRE Chair, expressed commitment to delivering the transport infrastructure desired by local communities. “With five new railway stations under construction and a sixth on the way, we’re getting on with delivering the transport infrastructure local people want to see right across our region,” said Mayor Street. He highlighted that Castle Bromwich, Coventry East, and Tettenhall are poised to deliver substantial benefits to their respective communities. The proposed stations, situated on existing lines, target areas currently lacking efficient public transport options and experiencing high levels of deprivation. Castle Bromwich seeks to reinstate a station closed in 1968, while Coventry East and Tettenhall would provide entirely new connections. Collaborative efforts with local communities will determine the names of these stations. Funding for the development originates from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement granted by the Department for Transport. While some proposed stations did not make the immediate shortlist, Mayor Street underscored their potential inclusion as the £1.7 billion Midlands Rail Hub project progresses. He stated, “The £1.7 billion Midland Rail Hub scheme – now fully funded by the Government – may provide an avenue and will certainly be a game-changer enabling us to connect even more towns and communities to the rail network.” The Midlands Rail Hub project, endorsed by the government as part of its Network North plans, aims to significantly boost rail capacity between the East and West Midlands, serving as a pivotal factor in this additional investment. Mayor Street highlighted the transformative impact of new rail infrastructure on an area, offering residents sustainable and convenient access to rapid and reliable public transport. Once completed, these new stations will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to reducing congestion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MoniRail, a leading expert in monitoring rail infrastructure, has secured a significant grant from the UK government’s prestigious SBRI Quantum Catalyst Fund. The Phase 2 award, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK, will enable MoniRail to spearhead the development of a groundbreaking quantum-based navigation system for railways, eliminating reliance on satellite signals in tunnels and other signal-restricted areas. Understanding train position with high accuracy is crucial for efficient network management, maintenance, and safety. However, traditional GPS-based systems often fail in tunnels and urban environments, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety risks. MoniRail, alongside partners Transport for London (TfL), Imperial College London, University of Sussex, University of Birmingham, PA Consulting, QinetiQ, and Unipart, will develop a revolutionary solution that leverages cutting-edge quantum technologies. “It is fantastic to be able to share the news of our success in the SBRI Quantum Catalyst Fund,” said Peter Ainsworth, CEO at MoniRail. “This funding win will help us produce significant advances in the area of positioning accuracy and enhance our track monitoring solution through the creation of groundbreaking technology.” The proposed system will utilise a train itself as a sensor, continuously monitoring track conditions while simultaneously employing quantum sensors to measure gravity, time, magnetic fields, and acceleration. This combined approach promises to deliver unprecedented levels of positioning accuracy, even in challenging signal-deprived environments. “Working with our partners, we will harness quantum sensors to achieve improved levels of positional accuracy, critical for both civilian and military needs,” explained Dr. Jamie Vovrosh, Quantum Lead at QinetiQ. “Unipart is delighted to be the technology partner for this project, supporting advancements in railway navigation,” said Dr. Colin Smith McGloin, product and innovation director at Unipart. “We are excited to begin our journey in developing a UK supply chain for the manufacture of quantum sensors.” “It is exciting to see what bringing together academia and industry can do for the transport sector and the economy as a whole,” commented Professor Paul Plummer, director of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education at the University of Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s most extensive construction project, HS2, is proving to be a catalyst for the growth of small businesses. Recent data reveals that HS2’s civil contractors doubled their spending with SMEs (companies with 250 or fewer employees) in the financial year 2022/23 compared to the previous year. Small and medium-sized businesses, constituting over 70% of HS2’s supply chain, collectively received a substantial £942 million—a significant increase from the £456 million spent in the preceding year. This injection of funds provided a welcome uplift for construction companies nationwide grappling with challenges tied to rising inflation and supply chain disruptions from the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. The magnitude and pace of HS2’s construction in that year reached its zenith, with the project hitting peak construction and the workforce reaching a record-breaking 30,000. Robin Lapish, HS2’s Supply Chain Lead, expressed, “From the outset, we set ambitious targets to ensure that UK-based SMEs would benefit from HS2’s extensive construction programme. Our contractors, through their procurement processes, embraced the challenge, resulting in just under a billion pounds flowing into small businesses across the country in a single year of our civil engineering programme.” “2024 promises to be another year of opportunity, with a procurement pipeline worth over £1 billion set to be released by our construction partners, along with the award of our railway systems contracts totalling £5 billion. We want to see more local businesses stepping forward and benefiting.” In the financial year 2022/23, HS2’s seven construction partners (stations and civils) achieved an impressive combined average of 20% total spending with SMEs. Align JV and EKFB JV, responsible for delivering the central sections of the HS2 route, surpassed the average, with respective total spends of 33% and 26%. EKFB JV’s commitment to supplier diversity was acknowledged by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply in 2020 when it received the ‘Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base’ award. Chris Read, Supply Chain Management Lead at EKFB JV, attributes the team’s early focus on achieving supplier diversity to its continued success. Chris added, “We developed a detailed action plan as soon as we secured our civils contract with HS2 Ltd, setting out a procurement approach that would ensure both SMEs and local businesses benefitted.” “Today, 70% of our supply chain consists of SMEs, and in the last year, 20% of EKFB’s contracts were awarded locally. Making a difference to local communities and British businesses is just one of the legacy benefits of HS2, and we’re proud to be a key contributor.” Haulage specialist Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD, among the many SMEs benefiting from repeat contracts, has experienced substantial growth since joining forces with Align JV on HS2. The Denham-based firm has seen increased exposure and business opportunities, leading to the recruitment of more staff from the local area. John Vaughan, Managing Director at Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD, stated, “Since beginning work on HS2, Vaughan Plant Haulage LTD has benefited from the spotlight HS2 has shone on our business, leading to more exposure in our industry and therefore further work.” “Naturally, the upturn in work has meant we have been able to employ more skilled staff, most of which are local to the project. Working with HS2 has proved to be very beneficial to our business and many other local businesses now presented with new opportunities that were not there before.” All subcontract opportunities with HS2’s stations and civils construction partners are posted on CompeteFor approximately two weeks before the procurement process begins. Interested suppliers can view and download the subcontract procurement pipeline on the HS2 website. Companies of all sizes can express an interest in winning work with HS2 and its contractors by registering their details on CompeteFor. For information and advice about becoming an HS2 supplier, read HS2’s Supplier Guide or email scc@hs2.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new study by Juniper Research, the foremost experts in technology markets, forecasts substantial growth of 182% in the number of smart parking spaces within cities; from 5.8 million in 2024. Smart parking utilises a combination of sensors and real-time data to provide road users with information on closest available parking spaces and prices, through either signage, apps or dashboards. This helps reduce congestion and emissions produced by vehicles searching for suitable parking spaces. Find out more: Global Smart Traffic Management Market 2023-2028, or download a free sample. Dynamic Pricing Vital in Reducing City Congestion The report urges city municipalities to seriously consider investing in and implementing smart parking initiatives within highly congested cities. The advantages surrounding dynamic pricing in smart parking can not only be used to strategically increase revenue, but also have the ability to ease ongoing congestion issues. This is achieved by lowering prices in less congested parking areas; making them more attractive to drivers. Research Author Cara Malone commented: “With more data than ever available and the low latency that 5G provides, parking solutions have become highly responsive. In cities where on-street parking is a major issue, dynamic signage can be deployed to utilise available parking more efficiently at quieter times; significantly reducing congestion.” Data Analytics to Optimise Transit Routes Juniper Research recommends smart parking vendors offer data analytics services to municipalities and governments as a priority. This data is critical to analysing parking and occupancy patterns, which can be used to optimise transit routes and development; helping shift citizens to public transport and providing significant value for cities. About the Research Suite The new market research suite offers the most comprehensive assessment of the smart traffic management market to date; providing analysis and forecasts of over 31,900 datapoints across 60 markets over five years. It includes a ‘Competitor Leaderboard’ and examination of current and future market opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is close to reaching the halfway mark of its ambitious aim to take on 590 apprentices across the rail upgrade between Manchester and York, via Leeds and Huddersfield. The number of apprentices on the multi-billion-pound programme has reached 264, primarily recruited from locations along the route and amounting to £14.3 million in value to society, according to the Rail Social Value Tool. Apprentices on TRU identify the cost of living crisis, tuition fee debt, career prospects and enhanced hands-on learning as reasons for choosing apprenticeships. TRU, which recently secured a further £3.9 bn of governmental funding, marks the milestone during National Apprenticeship Week, taking place 5-12 February. TRU is creating tens of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly, including 8,000 new and safeguarded roles, with 60% of the construction workforce employed from within 25 miles of the route and 80% within 40 miles. TRU is also set to deliver a minimum 50p value to society for every £1 spent on construction, generating £4.28 billion of social value, as outlined in the TRU Sustainability Strategy ‘Our Guiding Compass’ which was published last Summer. Apprentices are working in various disciplines across TRU, including Civil Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Ecology. Many TRU apprentices have university degrees built into their apprenticeships, taking one or two days a week off work to study. Ellis Mills, TRU Project Management Apprentice based in Manchester said: “One of the reasons I chose an apprenticeship was to pay my parents a bit of rent. We’re a family of five and it’s quite hard. There are people my age who at 18, 19, 20 want to support their parents while times are tough.” “I have developed my communication and leadership skills and learned the art of dealing with challenging behaviours during my apprenticeship with TRU.” “But the part I have enjoyed the most is the networking; speaking with people from across such a large project every day has allowed me to learn so much.” Bethany Draper, TRU Commercial Apprentice based in Leeds and York said: “I was accepted into two Russell Group universities but If I were to have gone to university, I would have been in a lot of debt.” “Financial independence is a key part of choosing an apprenticeship. With expanded work experience in an office or site environment, you have a better start to your career than other students.” Christopher Walker, TRU Commercial Apprentice based in Manchester said: “Someone I know went to a good university and got a first-class honours degree in architecture, but couldn’t get a job due to a lack of experience. I didn’t want that to happen, I wanted to work in what I’ve chosen to do. That was the main deciding factor in choosing an apprenticeship for me.” “There’s a miscomprehension that you get paid very little to be someone’s printing assistant, getting told what to do. But the truth is that companies like TRU put time and effort into developing you as an apprentice.” Neil Holm, TRU Managing Director said: “Providing opportunities through apprenticeships is at the heart of the TRU story. A railway fit for the North of England is being built by the communities through which TRU travels. “Our nearly 590 apprentices are key to the TRU programme and reaching the halfway point of our ambitious apprenticeship intake underlines our commitment to developing skills and employment prospects for TRU communities.”TRU apprentices of various disciplines are available to interview across broadcast, digital and print media. Please contact alec.herron@networkrail.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
