With construction due to start next year, HS2 has selected a team consisting of CH2M, Atkins and SENER as Phase One Engineering Delivery Partner.

The CH2M/Atkins/SENER team will be fully integrated within HS2 Ltd in order to drive long term efficiencies across the design and build process.

Their role will focus on providing expert engineering and construction management support as well as assisting with preparation for the procurement of the main civils contracts for the London to Birmingham stage of the route.

All three companies have significant experience of driving project innovation and efficiency, with CH2M and Atkins involved in London’s challenging Crossrail project, and SENER bringing recent experience from Spain’s extensive high speed rail network.

Welcoming the news, HS2 Ltd Managing Director – Construction, Jim Crawford, said: “Today’s contract award marks an important milestone as we continue to move towards the start of construction in 2017.

“It is vital that we constantly challenge our suppliers to ensure we deliver long-term value for money for the taxpayer as well as a world-class railway for all our passengers, stakeholders and communities along the line.

“That’s why I’m pleased to welcome CH2M/Atkins/SENER to the team, and look forward to seeing HS2 benefiting from their considerable skills and experience of delivering world-class infrastructure on time and on budget.”

Commenting on the appointment, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The Engineering Delivery Partner will play a key role in bringing HS2 to fruition and CH2M/Atkins/SENER bring clear expertise.”