Pivotal moment as HS2 and Birmingham Airport chiefs plot new era of travel ahead of ground-breaking works
HS2 and Birmingham Airport executives unite for transformative travel developments, marking a key milestone in the region's connectivity.
A pivotal joint site meeting has taken place between the chief executives of Birmingham Airport and HS2 Ltd, marking a major development in discussions and planning for critical enabling works.
During the visit to the airport, HS2 leaders were given a first-hand look at the facilities and land earmarked for transformation next year.
These works will create essential assets for the project, including major work compounds.
The tour also showcased the sweeping re-routing of utilities, the relocation of car parking facilities, and the reconfiguration of road layouts – all vital to keep the airport on course to welcome HS2 engineers on site.
The arrival of HS2 at Birmingham Airport is set to redefine connectivity. With the airport effectively becoming London’s “Zone 5” on the tube map, passengers from the West Midlands will reach Euston in just 38 minutes and Bond Street in 48 minutes – a game-changing leap in travel times.
Those arriving at HS2’s new Interchange station will board an automated people mover linking directly to the airport, with seamless stops at the NEC and the existing International rail station.
Nick Barton, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said: "The benefits of HS2 have been debated for many years and, despite its challenges, today’s conversation underlined the urgency to begin the work that will turn this vision into reality. We are a huge supporter of HS2 and look forward to working in partnership to create jobs and opportunities for thousands across this region.
However, let’s be clear – preparing the site for engineers and equipment will take around two years, as we are operating in a live environment. Our focus is to ensure that this massive undertaking causes minimal disruption to the airport, its passengers, its people and its partners."
This landmark step comes as Birmingham Airport is already in the midst of its most ambitious capital investment programme ever. The airport is currently spending £1.5 million every week on upgrading its terminal and modernising its airfield.
Mark Wild, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, added: "It was fantastic to meet Nick and the team at Birmingham Airport to advance plans for the construction of the shuttle that will carry passengers from our new HS2 Interchange station straight to the airport.
“Once complete, HS2 will revolutionise journeys to central London and release much-needed capacity on the existing line through Birmingham International – enabling more freight and local services, and delivering vast economic benefits for the wider region.
“I look forward to working closely with the Airport, as well as local businesses and communities, as we reset HS2 to face challenges head-on and unlock new opportunities with the delivery of this transformative new station."*