HS2 headquarters open in Birmingham

The High Speed 2 (HS2) headquarters have officially opened in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District as the project moves closer to construction.

The opening of the HS2 offices coincides with the final week of petitions in relation to the HS2 Phase One Hybrid Bill being heard in the House of Commons Select Committee. The new headquarters will employ up to 1,000 staff, including engineers and procurement specialists.

Phase One of HS2 is expected to open in 2026, connecting London and the West Midlands, and is expected to support up to 14,600 construction jobs, 2,200 permanent operations and maintenance jobs and 30,300 jobs supported by development around HS2 stations in Euston, Old Oak Common, Birmingham Interchange and Birmingham Curzon Street.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “HS2 will rebalance our economy, helping make the Midlands an ‘engine for growth’. The official opening of the headquarters here in Birmingham is proof that HS2 is already boosting jobs and skills, and will continue to do so as we head towards construction.

“This week we have taken another step towards putting spades in the ground as the Commons Select Committee has been hearing the final petitions on the Phase One Bill. I would like to pay tribute to members of the Committee, as well as those who have brought forward petitions. We have listened to residents and communities and I am pleased that in many cases we have been able to make the changes they have been calling for.”