HS2 Ltd is searching for a contractor to lead the enabling works programme for an Automated People Mover (APM) to be installed at the new HS2 Interchange station at Solihull in the West Midlands.
The Automated People Mover will be an elevated mass transit system that will transport thousands of passengers every hour between Interchange station, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International railway station, and Birmingham airport.
The current search is for a contractor to carry out the first phase of the programme and is worth up to £2m. The Government's Crown Commercial Services Framework enables registered suppliers to bid for the work and is handling this procurement.
Included in the work will be topographical surveys, ground investigations, and utility surveys, and is expected to take around 12 months to complete. These works will enable construction to start on the APM's main parts of the infrastructure that include four stops, a 2.2 km long viaduct, and a maintenance facility.
The enabling works will lay the foundations for the work that when complete will provide a 2,2 km APM across the M42, the West Coast Main Line, Birmingham Airport, and Pendigo Lake. The design of the APM and the future works packages will be based oon what is revealed during the ground investigation works, and topographical and bathymetric surveys.
Next year there will be two further procurement opportunities when tenders will be for a contract to design and supply a transport system and a 25-year transport operation and maintenance contract.
Ailsa Waygood, HS2's Project Client for Interchange Station and the APM said: “The APM is vital for both Interchange Station and the surrounding area. It will connect millions of people to new opportunities to live, work and play in Solihull.
“Arden Cross plan to bring new homes, learning hubs and businesses to the area around the station, and both the NEC and Airport are turbocharging their growth plans in readiness for its arrival. This is a hugely exciting time for the West Midlands region, and we look forward to onboarding our first contractor to help turn this vision into reality.”
Sean Butler, HS2's Senior Project Manager the APM said: “Launching the procurement for the APM enabling works is the result of several years of collaboration and engagement across HS2, DfT and stakeholders in the region.
“This is the first step in the journey to deliver the APM in time for HS2 services arriving at Interchange station.”
They should rename HS two to HS half, as it’s now just a London to Birmingham line upgrade and a quarter of what it should have been. they should have redone the Great Central Railway upto Manchester and then up the Settle and Carlisle Route into Scotland. Get everyone that is unemployed to pick up a shovel and help did and you would soon have a railway that is fit for purpose.