Future-proofing agreement secured at HS2 growth site
A breakthrough agreement has been reached to build in key utility infrastructure near the HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull - ensuring future development and jobs can be delivered ahead of the expected start of high-speed rail services between 2029 and 2033.
A large under-track construction will be built underneath the HS2 line at Arden Cross, the development site which will be home to the Interchange Station.
As development at the mixed-use site takes shape, the under-track construction will be used to carry key utilities such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications to new business and residential users.
The agreement, which has been negotiated by Solihull Council 's Urban Growth Company, will see HS2 Ltd design and construct the conduit, with funding provided by Solihull Council.
The cost of the work will be repaid by the landowners, Arden Cross Ltd, once completed and handed over.
It is the first time that such a contract has been agreed between HS2 Ltd and local partners and is another exemplar for UGC in terms of public/private sector collaboration.
Nick Brown, chairman at the Urban Growth Company, which was formed by Solihull Council to maximise the opportunities associated with the arrival of HS2, said: “From day one, it 's been our priority to work with both HS2 and the landowners at Arden Cross to create an environment around the Interchange Station which will deliver the economic, environmental and social benefits we know to be possible at this prime site.
“Learning from experience at HS1 over 20 years ago, the challenge was to find a way for HS2 Ltd to continue with their programme and deliver a magnificent Interchange Station here, while finding a practical and commercially effective solution to make sure the rest of the Arden Cross site wasn 't constrained by the HS2 line itself.
“This agreement does just that and is a good example of how public money can be used to help attract future private investment which leads to new jobs and homes, and much-improved transport connectivity, some of it before the first high-speed train even arrives here. ”
Ben Gray, project director at Arden Cross Limited, said: “Arden Cross has the potential to be a global destination for business, leisure and living; and this agreement marks a huge step to ensuring we deliver on the potential benefits that HS2 brings to the region and the incredible opportunity to deliver a world-class sustainable development.
“This key infrastructure at the HS2 Interchange Station site will help us deliver high-quality, innovative spaces for working and living which will attract inward investment into the region while providing a huge array of benefits for those who already live and work in the area.
“Collaboration is key to the successful delivery of this site and our established working partnership with HS2 Ltd, West Midlands Combined Authority, UGC and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council will help Arden Cross deliver jobs, homes and spaces for the region. ”
HS2 's senior project manager for Interchange Station, Niki French, said: “HS2 's Interchange Station will pave the way for major growth plans in the surrounding area, and we 've been working closely with our local partners to design a station that will maximise these future opportunities.
“This agreement means we can provide additional utility crossing points over and under the HS2 railway at Interchange Station, which will allow future utilities to reach potential development in all parts of the wider site. ”
The Urban Growth Company is working on a series of projects across The UK Central Hub, the 1,300-hectare area which comprises Arden Cross as well as Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham International Station, Jaguar Land Rover and the NEC.
It is anticipated that the plans for The Hub will support 70,000 new and existing jobs, create 650,000m2 of commercial space and up to 5,000 new homes, generating £6.2bn GVA per year.
Pictured (l to r): Ben Gray, Niki French and Nick Brown