Government provides construction sector certainty by confirming 'Notice to proceed' on High Speed 2

摘要

Following the decision to proceed with HS2 earlier this year, HS2 Ltd has marked the next step for the project after issuing 'Notice to proceed' to the companies that will undertake construction on Britain's new railway. After careful consideration of the independent Oakervee review, the Prime Minister confirmed to Parliament in February 2020 that the project should go ahead, to deliver vital improvements to capacity and connectivity across the Midlands and North, alongside a reform package to improve governance at HS2 to ensure the project is delivered better and more efficiently. 'Notice to proceed' marks the formal approval for the project to begin the construction phase and HS2 Ltd is now entering Stage 2 of the main works civils contracts, with each held by a specific joint-venture. At a time when the construction sector faces uncertainties during the coronavirus outbreak, issuing 'Notice to proceed' provides a vote of confidence in construction companies and the wider supply chain supporting HS2. The four work packages are for full detailed design and construction of Phase One of the HS2 railway. Through these contracts, small and medium businesses have the guarantee of a pipeline of activity for the future, helping to protect jobs and boost certainty for them in the current climate.