黑洞社区

Crossrail 2 is seeking the endorsement of the National Infrastructure Commision ahead of next year鈥檚 Budget, the client鈥檚 commercial director Simon Adams has told the 黑洞社区 Live conference.

Adams told delgates the client considers the backing of the newly-launched commission, led by Lord Adonis, as crucial to its future. He said: 鈥淚n April next year we hope the commission will endorse our plans so we can start the development phase鈥�.

He added: 鈥淲hen we put our application to the Spending Review, there was no certainty it would be considered. But now we have the commission we know it will be considered [by them].鈥�

Beth West, commercial director of fellow rail client HS2 Ltd, told the conference design and procurement work on the 拢42.6bn mammoth project is progressing and the body has received the first pre-qualification questionairre submissions for 拢8bn of contracting work on the spur of the line north of Birmingham.

West said the client was working to ensure through the procurement that contractors collaborate on the project: 鈥淲e work closely and collaboratively with out suppliers and create incentives to play nicely and share ideas鈥�.

Outgoing Birmingham City Council leader Albert Bore said the West Midlands city deal would help fuel a 鈥淢idlands Engine鈥� to rival the Northern Powerhouse.

He also said the city was exploring ways to unlock tax increment finance (TIF) schemes through its 拢275m regeneration pot.