The shortlist of construction companies vying to build the new HS2 Interchange station in Solihull has been revealed.
Laing O'Rourke, Skanska and Unity, which is a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick supported by subcontractor WSP, are all hoping to win the contract which is worth up to £370 million.
The successful bidder, which will be announced next year, will develop the detailed design of the station before construction begins at the development site 1.2 miles east of Birmingham Airport next to the M42.
The contract is set to support 1,000 jobs while wider regeneration opportunities connected to the scheme will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 753,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Interchange received the green light from Solihull planning chiefs just over a year ago and it is one of four new stations to be built on phase one of the high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham.
There will be up to five trains per hour passing through the station in both directions, with an estimated total of 175,000 seats per day.
A new automated people mover will also be constructed, connecting the site with the nearby Resorts World, NEC campus, Birmingham International station and airport.
HS2 is championing the green credentials of the project which it says will maximise natural daylight and ventilation while the roof will be able to capture and reuse rainwater.
It will also have features enabling the building to have net zero carbon emissions from day-to-day energy consumption and there will be energy efficient technology such as air source heat pumps and LED lighting.
HS2's procurement and supply chain director Andrew Cubitt said: "Congratulations to the organisations who have been shortlisted for this significant HS2 contract which will not only boost jobs in the Midlands but will open up fantastic supply chain opportunities for businesses right across the country.
"The benefits go even further, with the wider opportunities for commercial development around Interchange set to drive local investment and regeneration."
