21.07.14
HS2 construction HQ will be in Birmingham
The construction headquarters of HS2 are to be located in Birmingham, bringing up to 1,500 highly paid jobs to the city.
HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for the project, said that while some jobs would move from London to its new premises, many would be new roles.
The new facility is also expected to be the largest-ever public sector relocation out of Birmingham, and it is hoped the move will encourage consultancy and engineering firms to follow HS2 to the city.
Expected to open in 2015, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “HS2 is a vital part of our long-term economic plan. By locating the new HS2 engineering HQ in Birmingham we are bringing skilled job opportunities into the area, spreading HS2’s benefits beyond those using the new rail line.
During a visit to the city, McLoughlin will also reveal that a £130m scheme to take the Midland Metro to Adderley Street, in Eastside, has been given the green light.
The Birmingham operation will be in charge of building the track, stations and signalling as well as managing the staff needed to support their work. Meanwhile, a new regeneration company, created by Birmingham City Council, will play a vital role of delivering regeneration around the HS2 terminus at Curzon Street.
McLoughlin said: “It is great news that Birmingham City Council has created a company specifically to focus on the regeneration opportunities created by HS2. It will bring new investment and work into the city, helping secure the future prosperity of the region and the country.”
The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) also added that it would be investing £30m to kick-start the development activity.
Sir Albert Bore, leader of the local authority, said: “HS2 is an important step in rebalancing the country’s economy, supporting growth in the regions and encouraging more inward investment into the city.”
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