HS2 Commencement of Construction

Today, on the 4^th September 2020 the Government has announced the commencement of construction of HS2 Phase One (from London Euston to West Midlands), marking the momentous transition between enabling works and full construction works.

While most of the UK economy is taking stock on agile working, future office space requirements, and the knock on effect on travel and commuter demand in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Government's formal notice to proceed with the construction of HS2 Phase One on 15^th April, the Government appears to remain fully committed to the delivery of HS2 with today's announcement of the start of full construction works. The Construction of Phase One alone will involve 6 new stations, more than 300 bridges and over 70 viaducts, as well as around 140 miles of new track with a cost of between £35bn and £45bn.  This is expected to create around 22,000 new jobs over the next few years, including an estimated 400,000 supply chain contract opportunities, and the creation of hundreds of apprenticeships and thousands of skilled jobs, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and the much needed rebalancing of the UK economy. It is hoped that the full operation of Phase One from London Euston will commence between 2031 and 2036, with the running of some passenger services between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Curzon Street from between 2029 and 2033.

Are you affected by the construction of HS2?  Here's how we can help.

Our multi-disciplinary transport team has significant experience advising a broad range of stakeholders affected by the construction of HS2, including landowners, local authorities, and major utilities. We advise utilities and statutory undertakers on asset protection and monitoring arrangements for HS2 construction works, including asset diversions, contracting out of certain provisions of the overarching legislation and establishing alternative contractual arrangements where necessary, the protection and resilience of utilities networks, and statutory cost contributions required by utilities under the New Road and Street Works Act 1991 and the accompanying Street Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) (England) Regulations 2000.We also advise local authorities on coordinating infrastructure and development associated with proposed HS2 stations, as well as private landowners affected by the construction and operation of the railway, including compulsory acquisition, related compensation issues and Judicial Review.Our construction team continue to advise a number of consultants and contractors tendering for significant HS2 works, services and supply contracts in relation to the construction of HS2.The transition from enabling works to full construction works marks another huge step forward for the delivery of the project.If you are affected by the construction of Phase One or the proposed design and construction of Phases 2a and 2b and you would like to discuss, please get in touch.