The redevelopment of Birmingham鈥檚 New Street station has been on the cards for some years.

Now, subject to two final funding decisions, work is set to begin. With 18 month鈥檚 work on design, planning permissions and funding arrangements under its belt, the 拢550m project will start on site next year.

The station is to be dramatically redeveloped with a concourse that will be 3.5 times larger than the current station. Crucially, construction must not disrupt the daily operation of the station. When complete it will feature two airline-style departure lounges and a huge 鈥榩ublic street鈥� covered over by an ETFE roof. A total of 42 new escalators and 14 new lifts will help transport an increased passenger throughput of 52m a year.

Network Rail, under the leadership of programme director Martin Chambers, has chosen a procurement strategy that will have collaborative working at its heart, with Network Rail procuring the works via a number of specialist packages because of the complex nature of the job. Asking a contractor to price up the risk of the whole thing under a conventional lump sum route would be far too expensive.

The OJEU notice for its construction adviser is due to go out any time. And Network Rail is currently selecting a lead consultant from a shortlist of Atkins, Gifford, Mott McDonald, Mouchel Parkman and WSP Group.

The new station is scheduled to open in June 2013.

Source

Construction Manager